Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Phoenix
Holding Pet Owners Responsible for Your Injuries
Although dogs are often described as “man’s best friend,” getting bitten by an unfriendly dog can be a dangerous, traumatic, and life-threatening experience. Dog bites also happen far more often than you may realize: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog each year in the United States. It’s also estimated that over 800,000 of these dog bites require emergency medical attention.
If you or your loved one were attacked by a dangerous animal, you can hold the dog’s owner legally responsible for your medical expenses and other needs. At MayesTelles PLLC, our dog bite injury attorneys can assist you with filing a claim in Phoenix. With nearly 200 years of combined legal experience and AV Preeminent™ ratings on Martindale-Hubbell®, our experienced team will strive to secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Call (602) 428-7104 to get started with a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 for inquiries.
Why Do Dogs Attack People?
Even the most gentle and non-threatening dogs can bite people in the right situation, as this is a common defense mechanism among animals. While some dogs have a clear history of aggressive behavior, the majority of dogs who bite are simply reacting to stress, abuse, and other external factors. It’s also common for dogs to bite when they are sick, injured, or overly excited. Although anyone can become a dog bite victim, children are more vulnerable to dog attacks than other age groups.
Under Arizona Revised Statute §11-1025, dog bites are a matter of “strict liability.” This means you do not need to prove that the dog has a history of violence and aggression to receive damages for a dog bite. As long as you can demonstrate that the bite took place – and that you did not trespass on the owner’s property or intentionally provoke the animal – you will likely be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Depending on the severity of your dog bite, you may need immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. Even if you don’t visit your local urgent care, however, it’s important to make sure that the wound is properly cleaned and disinfected after the bite. Infection is one of the most serious complications associated with a dog bite, as the bacteria from a canine’s mouth can spread quickly through the bloodstream.
Here are a few of the most common dog bite injuries:
- Staphylococcus or “staph” infections
- MRSA virus infections
- Rabies infections
- Broken bones
- Permanent nerve or muscle tissue damage
- Bruising and swelling
- Lacerations
- Disfigurement and scarring
What Damages Can I Receive for a Dog Bite?
From lasting emotional distress to expensive hospital stays, the after-effects of a dog bite can be devastating for victims. Because of Arizona’s strict liability laws, you do not need to show that the owner abused the animal or failed to protect you in order to receive damages. In most cases, you can seek compensation through the homeowner’s insurance provider for the party responsible. You can also file a personal injury claim against the owner.
Of course, it’s important to note that there is only a one-year statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims. To ensure that your claim is filed on time and in the right channels, consider hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer for your case. At MayesTelles PLLC, we’ve successfully represented many dog bite victims in Phoenix and can provide the thoughtful and compassionate counsel that you deserve.
Our team is ready to advocate for your needs. Give us a call at (602) 428-7104 to discuss your claim.
We've Won Thousands of Cases
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Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving
Client R.C. was stopped by Mesa Police for a civil traffic violation and later charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI in a justice court. During the course of their representation, MayesTelles attorneys discovered important inconsistencies in the police reports. When we presented these issues to the State, the prosecutor’s office agreed to drop all DUI charges.
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Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accident
MayesTelles Client A.F. and her husband tragically lost their unborn child as a result of the negligence of an individual operating a commercial vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. After substantial investigation including accident reconstruction and filing a lawsuit, the insurance company paid out the policy limits of $1,000,000.00.
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4 Counts of Aggravated DUI Dismissed
Client M.W. was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated DUI in the Maricopa County Superior Court in July 2016 for allegedly riding a motorized bicycle under the influence. The attorneys at MayesTelles demanded that the State include certain materials in their presentation to the grand jury, resulting in the grand jury refusing to indict and the case being dismissed.
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Client Charged with DUI
Client, GS, charged with DUI - sentence was reduced to reckless driving.
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Client Facing Assault Felony
M.L. was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 dangerous felony. She plead guilty to Aggravated Assault, a class 6 undesignated felony, with a stipulation to 3 months of initial jail. She received credit for 32 days and the rest of the jail time was deferred. She was placed on 3 years of supervised probation. She has the opportunity to designate the offense a misdemeanor after successfully completing probation. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with DUI
Our client, A.R, was charged with 1 count of DUI and 1 count of Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. During extensive pre-trial investigation, it was discovered that the police made many errors in how they handled the case. We were able to get the client's charges reduced to reckless driving. Location: Glendale City Court
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Client Charged with Four Felony Counts
Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Trespass & Assault
Our client, T.C., was charged in Maricopa County Superior Court on July 8, 2015 with 1 count of Criminal Trespass, a class 6 felony, and 1 count Assault, a class 2 Misdemeanor. On September 9, 2015, after an 8-day jury trial, our client was found not guilty on both charges. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Shoplifting
Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
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Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Disorderly Conduct
Our client, K.F., was charged with Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get this client's case dismissed. Location: Tempe Municipal Court
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Client Facing Multiple Criminal Charges
Our client, L.S., was charged on October 20, 2014 in Mesa for an assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. MayesTelles PLLC was able to get those charges dismissed.
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Client Facing Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses
Our client, Ms. C., was facing charges of assault / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), disorderly conduct / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), and criminal damage / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor). We were able to get our client's case dismissed. Location: Mesa Municipal Court
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Charged with Assault & Failure to Appear
Our client, L.S., was charged in Phoenix on December 27, 2014 for assault and failure to appear. After completing diversion, our client's case was dismissed.
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Multiple Felony Theft Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
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Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
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Available to Our Clients 24/7
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Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
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AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys