Dog Bite Attorneys Serving Phoenix, Arizona

A dog slips through an open gate, breaks free from a leash, or bites while you are visiting someone's home. The owner may insist the dog has never done anything like it before, but that does not necessarily prevent you from bringing a claim.  

At Rafael Tirado & Associates, we represent dog bite injury victims in Phoenix, Arizona, and pursue compensation for the injuries and losses they suffer. After a bite, we can take over the claim and the dealings with the owner or insurer. Contact us to discuss what happened and what we can do on your behalf. 

Establishing Responsibility for a Dog Bite

We examine where the attack occurred, who owned or controlled the dog, whether you were lawfully present, and what happened immediately before the bite. These details help us determine which Arizona dog bite laws apply and the basis for pursuing the responsible party. 

Under Arizona's dog bite statute, an owner can be liable when a dog bites someone in a public place or while that person is lawfully on private property. The claim does not depend on proving that the dog had been vicious before or that the owner knew it might bite. 

Provocation can affect a statutory dog bite claim, so we pay particular attention when an owner or insurer raises it as a defense. Arizona applies an objective standard: the question is whether a reasonable person would expect the conduct or circumstances to provoke a dog.

We investigate what happened before the bite and gather evidence to address a disputed account of the encounter. We also consider whether the circumstances support another basis for liability. If the dog was at large when the injury occurred, Arizona law can impose responsibility on the owner or the person responsible for the dog at the time. 

Finding the Evidence and Insurance Behind the Claim

We gather evidence to show how the attack occurred and document the harm it caused. Photographs, medical records, witness accounts, animal control records, and available video footage may all become important as we build the claim. 

Arizona law requires a dog owner or person responsible for the dog's care to provide the owner's contact information to the person who was bitten. We use available ownership information to identify the responsible party and determine where to direct the claim. 

We also identify insurance coverage that may apply to the attack. When coverage is available, we handle communications with the insurer and provide the evidence and documentation supporting the claim. 

Pursuing Compensation for the Effects of the Attack

We evaluate the physical, financial, and other documented effects of the bite when pursuing compensation. Our firm's dog bite practice includes injuries requiring emergency care, reconstructive surgery, and emotional therapy, and some clients continue to need treatment after the initial wound has healed. 

Scarring or disfigurement may require additional treatment and can remain long after other injuries improve. We consider anticipated care, existing medical expenses, lost income, and other supported losses when assessing the claim. 

Through our personal injury representation, we pursue a resolution that accounts for the documented consequences of the attack and can take the case to court when a claim cannot be resolved through negotiation. 

Dog Bite Claims Have a Short Filing Deadline

We determine which claims are available and the deadline that applies to each one. That distinction is particularly important after a dog bite in Arizona. 

A claim under Arizona's statutory dog bite law generally must be filed within one year after it accrues, while a common law negligence claim generally has a two-year limitations period. Waiting two years can therefore mean losing the statutory claim even though a negligence claim may still be available. 

We evaluate these deadlines early and preserve available evidence while the claim is still timely. 

What Happens When You Contact Us

When you first contact us, we ask for the information you already have about the attack, such as photographs of your injuries, medical records, an animal control report number, witness information, and details about the dog and its owner. You do not need to gather everything before contacting us. 

We then confirm the dog's ownership and identify any applicable insurance coverage. As your treatment progresses, we monitor your recovery before valuing the claim so we don't overlook lasting scarring, additional care, or other longer-term effects. 

Throughout, we keep the one-year statutory deadline in view so treatment and claim preparation stay on schedule. Once we have a clearer understanding of your injuries and losses, we present the claim to the insurer and advise you on any offer before you decide whether to accept it. 

Dog Bite Attorneys Serving Phoenix, Arizona

Our founding attorney, Rafael Tirado, brings more than 20 years of legal experience to our personal injury practice. We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of accidents and other injuries. 

We provide direct attorney involvement and guidance throughout the legal process. Our goal is to handle the demands of your claim while you focus on recovering from the attack. 

We believe clients should understand what is happening with their case and what decisions are ahead. We remain accessible throughout the representation so you can get answers when questions arise. Our team is available 24/7 for accident cases and offers services in English and Spanish. 

If you or a family member was bitten by a dog, contact us to discuss your options for pursuing compensation.