If you’ve suffered a dog bite in Arizona, especially a bite to the face, you probably have a lot of questions right now. Fortunately, Arizona law provides a lot of possibilities of compensation in dog bite settlement cases. Here are answers to some of your most important questions.
Am I Entitled To Compensation for a Dog Bite To the Face?
Almost certainly! Arizona law recognizes that the victim of an accident shouldn’t be responsible for the financial or emotional hardship stemming from that accident. Arizona’s dog bite law assigns the dog’s owner with “strict liability,” which means that they’re financially responsible for the bite even if it was the first time or they had no other way of knowing the dog might bite.
Take note, though: There are a few instances in which you may have a hard time getting compensation, such as if you were trespassing on private property, if you were deliberately taunting the dog, or if you have waited too long to pursue your case.
What Kinds of Expenses Will a Dog Bite Settlement Cover?
The first and most obvious expenses that a settlement will cover are your medical expenses, so keep good records of any and all medical bills you get due to the dog bite. And of course, take note of any missed work, as a settlement will usually also reimburse you for lost income due to the bite.
Pain and suffering are more difficult to prove, but with a good lawyer to present your case, you may also be able to claim reimbursement for the psychological impact of the bite. In addition, keep in mind that bites to the face can carry with them additional challenges, such as disfigurement and loss of self-esteem, not to mention the need for expensive cosmetic surgery that your health insurance may not cover. The psychological impact is more difficult to put a monetary value on than the prospect of elective medical procedures, but the hardship should be reflected in your settlement.
Will I Have To Go To Court?
Many injury victims hesitate to make a claim because they don’t want to go to court. Going to court can be intimidating, especially if you have damage to your face that you are self-conscious about. Fortunately, most injury cases are settled out of court, so you may never need to see the inside of a courtroom.
How Much Money Will I Get?
The biggest question clients often have is how much their case is worth. It varies with the details of each case, since your settlement is at least part based on reimbursement for medical and other expenses incurred as a result of the dog bite. According to Quote Wizard, the average dog bite settlement in Arizona in 2019 was $45,811.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing My Case?
You do have a two-year time limit for filing a personal injury claim in Arizona. Two years may seem like a lot of time, but you’ll be surprised how that will pass between the doctors’ appointments, missed work, and mental anguish that follows a dog bite. Even if you’re not sure yet what the extent of your injuries may be, or how much the medical bills will end up totaling, now is the best time to get a lawyer on your case and start pursuing a claim.
The Best Lawyer for Your Case
Presenting a winning dog bite case requires experience and confidence, so your choice of an attorney is crucial. To determine whether your case is worth pursuing a settlement, call Simon Law Group, PLLC, today and schedule a consultation.
