Have you noticed how the number of dog owners has increased in the last couple of years? Dogs have become part of the family for many people. They offer companionship and are quite loyal.
Most dog owners take good care of their furry ones and truly ensure their dogs have everything they might need. But there are always situations when a bit of extra care is needed. In new surroundings when surrounded by completely new people, dogs can get anxious and tend to misbehave.
That’s when dog bites can occur and apart from the possibility of someone getting injured, dog bites cause a whole lot of problems for the dog owner, especially in Arizona where the rules are quite strict.
The circumstances will determine it all. Was the dog on a leash? Has the dog shown examples of aggressive behavior in the past? The answers to these questions will determine your legal case after the incident has occurred.
Let’s take a look at what exactly the dog bite scenario plays out in Arizona.
Why dog bites happen
Dogs don’t just bite cause they feel like it. In most cases, there are warning signs that people either miss or misunderstand.
Dogs may bite when they feel scared, protective of their food or territory, or overstimulated. Even a normally calm dog can react if it feels threatened. In Arizona, many homeowners also have dogs as a security measure and many of these dogs often go untrained. Dog attacks often happen in busy areas such as Phoenix or Mesa.
Children are especially vulnerable because they may not recognize signals like growling, stiff posture, or avoidance. That’s why people should also be able to recognize the dog’s body language before approaching it. Likewise, the dog owner should also make sure not to let the dog socialize if they’re obviously tense and not in the mood for people.
Annually, there are more than 43 fatal dog attacks in the US, which you might think isn’t a high number. But the number of non-fatal attacks is much, much higher. Still, you can imagine the extent of the injuries a dog can inflict to cause the death of a person. The number isn’t to be neglected.
What to do when a dog bite happens
If your dog misbehaves, make sure to take necessary action.
Arizona has a strict liability law where the dog owner is almost always found at fault but the insurance companies and legal authorities might be more lenient if they see you’re not directly at fault, meaning you didn’t let your dog run wild in the park or something similar.
And if you’re the injured party, you also need to take action and report any aggressive behavior you notice.
Call 911
Even minor bites can lead to infection. Dog bites can transmit bacteria such as Pasteurella and, in rare cases, rabies. Getting medical treatment right away protects your health and also creates a record of your injuries, which can be important later.
You need to get the wound checked out even if it’s a minor scratch. Bacteria can be easily transmitted and just because there’s no blood, doesn’t mean there isn’t damage.
Consider speaking with a dog bite attorney
If you’re feeling lost after getting medical care, consider asking for legal support. Dog bite cases are not always simple and you might need some help on the side. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or argue that you provoked the dog.
And we all know insurance companies tend to stoop to these kinds of tactics.
That’s why it’s better to call someone experienced to help out. But, make sure you always reach out to attorneys based in the area where the incident happened. So, if we’re talking about Mesa, that would be a Mesa dog bite attorney.
Why does that matter? First of all, they’re the ones best acquainted with the dog bite regulations in the city. Secondly, they can easily inspect the dog bite incident and interview witnesses. Plus, they have local acquaintances they can ask for help and support.
Report the incident
In Arizona, dog bites should be reported to local animal control or law enforcement. This helps ensure that the dog is evaluated and that proper quarantine procedures are followed if necessary.
Reporting also creates an official record. If you decide to pursue a claim, that documentation can be crucial. If you’re looking to turn to insurance companies afterwards, you’ll need proof that you reported the incident to the relevant authorities.
Document everything
Another important step is making sure you take pictures of everything that may serve as evidence.
The first thing to do is take pictures of your injuries as soon as possible and continue documenting the healing process. Also,save medical bills and keep track of any time you miss from work. Write down what happened while it is still fresh in your memory.
When you are dealing with pain and stress, it is easy to overlook these details. But they matter. They help tell the full story of what you went through.
Stay calm and patient
Finally, don’t think that everything will be resolved overnight. These things take time and a lot of patience. You need to keep in regular touch with your attorney and rely on them to have your back in the process.
The bottom line: Dog bites in Arizona
As dog bite incidents can be painful and stressful, it’s always best to be informed about what you should do in such a case instead of panicking after a dog bite has taken place.
If you’re the one who’s injured or if it’s your dog who inflicted the injuries, the process is the same. You need to ensure medical help is present on the scene and inform legal authorities in Arizona to report the incident.
As a dog owner, you carry extra responsibility as you have to make sure your dog is properly trained and on a leash when needed.
Apart from that, if you want to know more about When to Contact a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer then visit our Accidents Law category.
