Dog Bites

A dog attack can be one of the most terrifying and gruesome personal injuries suffered, particularly when a child is involved, as is often the case. People, usually very young, die every year as the result of dog attacks while disfiguring injuries are more common than most people realize. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, and almost one in five of those require medical attention. In 2006, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of dog bites.

Some states such as Arizona have strict liability dog bite statutes that dictate that a dog’s owner is liable for damages by his or her dog if it attacks a person who is either in a public space or lawfully on the owner’s property. Even if the dog has never been vicious before and the owner has no reason to believe the dog might attack, he or she is still liable.

You have little legal recourse if a stray dog bites you because claims must be filed against a dog’s owner or keeper. Your city or county is not responsible for strays, even if you had called animal control in an effort to get the dog off the streets.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of a dog bite, call Wattel & York, Attorneys At Law, now at (877) 572-4143 or submit a simple case form. An initial consultation with us is free of charge, and if we take your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Call us now! You may have a valid claim and are entitled to compensation for your injuries. But remember, a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.