Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Tucson, AZ

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Tucson, Arizona?

  For non-emergency concerns, dial 520-791-4444 to reach the Tucson Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Tucson, Arizona?

  To get a copy of a case or accident report, complete a Records Request Form and email it to tpdpublicrecords@tucsonaz.gov or mail it to Tucson Police Department Records Section, 270 S. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701-1917. You will receive an invoice for the report copy afterward, which you can pay via check, money order, or credit card. Report copies sent via email cost $5 each, while paper copies cost $5 for the first 15 pages and $0.25 for each succeeding page.

  Records Request Forms can be downloaded from the Tucson Police website at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Police/Contact-Us/Tucson-Police-Department-Records-Requests

• What is the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim in Tucson?

  You have one year from the date of injury, to file a claim under the strict liability law, Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-1025. This law makes Tucson dog owners responsible for damages regardless of negligence or previous knowledge of the dog’s viciousness. The claimant must be bitten for strict liability to apply. Meanwhile, you have two years to file a negligence claim. Negligence applies if the owner did not keep the dog in control or knew about the dog’s viciousness.

• What can you do if the dog owner’s insurance is not enough to cover all your dog bite damages in Tucson?

  If the dog owner’s insurance coverage is insufficient, you can seek the remaining compensation directly from the owner of the dog that bit you in Tucson. With the help of an experienced dog bite attorney in Tucson, you may be able to collect payment from the owner’s liquid assets, like personal investment accounts. Generally, insurance policies are able to cover the entire dog bite claim, which amounts to $50,000 on average. Additional coverage may be needed in severe dog bite cases, which require multiple surgeries, including plastic surgery.

• Do you have to report a dog bite incident in Tucson?

  Yes, Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-1014 (E) requires both the dog owner and dog bite victim to report the incident. For Tucson residents, the report must be made to the Pima Animal Care Center by calling 520-724-5900, extension 4. An Animal Control Officer will meet with the dog owner in person afterward. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you need to take this step immediately, so an investigation of the incident can be started.

• What damages can you claim for your dog bite injury in Tucson?

  You can claim compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as lost income while recovering, current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and emotional trauma. Parents who missed work to take care of a child bitten by a dog may also claim compensation for their lost wages. Consult a local dog bite attorney in Tucson to learn more about the damages you can pursue.

• Can you file a lawsuit if you get bitten by a police dog in Tucson?

  If a police dog bit you unprovoked, yes, you can sue the police department. Police dog bites are subject to the same liability law as civilian dog bites in Tucson. However, if there was a reason for the dog to attack you, it may be difficult to recover damages. Note that since you will be taking legal action against a government unit, you need to give advance notice of your intention to sue and must commence the lawsuit within 180 days.