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Animal Attacks

Dog Bites Are Most Common, But Not the Only Type of Animal Attacks 

The most common type of animal attack is a dog bite. However, there are other types of domesticated animals, such as cats, ferrets, pet snakes and even birds, that have been known to attack humans. Non-domesticated animals, such as large cats (ordinarily found in the wild but owned by some people as pets) can also be dangerous and attack humans. Animal attacks of all kinds can take place anywhere we come into contact with a pet that is not our own, be it the neighbor's yard, the common area of an apartment complex, at the park, on hiking and biking trails, even at the mall.

Experiencing an animal attack of any kind can cause severe physical and psychological injuries. If you have been the victim of an animal attack in Arizona, it is important to understand your rights. To succeed in an animal attack case, the injured person must prove that the animal that caused the injury was owned and kept by the defendant. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other out-of-pocket costs if the pet's owner is held liable. 

Dog Bite Cases are Often Very Emotional and Require an Experienced Attorney

While Pitbull and Rottweiler breeds get the most attention for being dangerous and causing harm to humans, the truth is, any breed of dog can become unpredictable and violent. In Arizona, a dog owner can be held liable for a dog bite injury even if the dog has never bitten anyone in the past. Dogs can get aggressive when they feel threatened. The "threat" can be as innocent as a child playfully pulling its tail or reaching out too quickly to snatch a ball back when playing a game of fetch. These situations can happen anywhere. The bottom line is, if it has happened to you or your child, you do not have to navigate this difficulty alone.

Dog bite cases tend to be extremely emotional. The owner of the dog and the victim of the dog's attack often find it nearly impossible to compromise, leaving the potential for a settlement unlikely. That is why you need to hire a lawyer with experience settling these exact types of cases. 

A Proven Record for Acquiring Compensation for Our Clients

The Scottsdale Law Office of A. J. Mitchell has unique experience successfully mediating cases involving severe injuries caused not only by dogs, but also by violent cats. These injuries required multiple surgeries, and the cost to the victims was not just their medical expenses, but they also lost income, and enjoyment of life during their recovery. They suffered emotional distress and chronic pain. It was crucial in these cases that the victim called our office in the early stages so that we were able to take the pertinent steps to secure a fair resolution and appropriate compensation for all of their damages. 

Hiring Experience Results in the Best Outcome

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of the negligence of an animal owner, handler or homeowner, obtaining a personal injury lawyer with animal attack experience is essential. Insurance companies are extremely aggressive in defending against these cases and will do everything they can to prevent paying a claim. Having a lawyer who understands how insurance companies work and knowing how to fight against them is vital.

Arizona Laws Regarding Animal Attacks

Many legalities come into play in animal attack cases. As the bite victim of a dog, cat, ferret or other animal, your job is to recover. It is our job to know the laws. What you do need to understand about your case is that you cannot wait to contact a lawyer. Time is of the essence.

Time Limits

Arizona law allows a window of time for filing a claim against an animal's owner—what is known as the statute-of-limitations. In Arizona, this time limit is one year from the date of the attack. 

Negligence

Negligence is the failure to control an animal, for example, by means of a leash, or secured in a yard or house. If this failure can be proven to be a critical factor in the attack, the owner can be held responsible for the damages done by that animal to a human, even without the need to prove the viciousness of the animal. 

Strict Liability

In fact, if the owner or handler did, indeed, take precautions to control their animal, but the animal has a history of being dangerous or has attacked in the past, the owner can still be held responsible for the harm caused by the animal. In other words, having a dangerous dog on a leash does not shield the owner from responsibility if the dog harms a person. 

Call 480-595-6800 and Speak Directly to a Lawyer Today

At the Law Office of A. J. Mitchell, we know how to prove negligence and strict liability. Additionally, we are skilled in the process of discovery. What the owner knew about the animal, as well as the past history of the animal are all areas of discovery in which A. J. Mitchell is intimately familiar. 

We are here to answer your questions. When you call, you will speak to a lawyer, not a secretary or paralegal, and we will help you understand your legal rights. Many claims are lost due to mistakes made in the early stages. Let us help you learn the best way to move forward with your claim. 

Whatever your legal needs, our attorneys can help. Contact The Law Office of A. J. Mitchell, P.L.C. today for a free no obligation consultation.

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The Law Office of A.J. Mitchell, P.L.C.
14555 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 170
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Call or Text: (480) 595-6800

Mon.-Fri. 9am to 6pm

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In Arizona, attorneys serving the communities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Anthem, Fountain Hills, Chandler, Glendale & surrounding areas.

The information on this website is intended to be informational only and does not establish an attorney/client relationship, nor is it meant to be legal advice for a specific matter.