When you need an experienced attorney who will handle your case himself, ensuring that the legal system treats you and your family fairly, call Matthew Millea. Matt's focus is on personal injury and wrongful death. He works directly with his clients, giving individual attention and personally preparing each case he accepts. Visit site: http://www.millealawfirm.com/ Millea Law Firm 7272 East Indian School Road, Suite 203 Scottsdale AZ 85251 Phone (480) 481-0616

1. Dog Bites and Insurance

2. Most dogs are warm, loving family members who would
rather feel pain than inflict it on a human being.
Sometimes, unfortunately, circumstances or a dog's
underlying personality issues cause an attack to occur.
When a dog does bite, there are certain legal and property
issues which come into play.
Who is responsible for the injuries can be murky water, as can
be the disposition of the canine after the incident.

4. For clarification, it is important to remember that animals are
officially considered property.
They can't be charged with assault, and any damage to them is
treated by law as property damage.
Therefore, unless the owner was criminally negligent, the
police will not be involved.
“Criminal negligence typically requires a previous bite attack
followed by the owner not taking precautions to prevent a
subsequent attack.”
Even if that situation occurs, unless the victim's injuries are
severe, do not expect the police to launch an investigation.

6. If you are bitten by a dog, you will need to seek immediate
medical attention. In addition to trauma to your person, a dog's
mouth has a large amount of bacteria, and as a result the wound
will require sanitation.
You may also require antibiotics and will most likely receive a
preventative rabies booster.

7. The next question is, WHO will
pay for the medical treatment?

8. • In most situations, the victim's insurance will cover the
incident as an accident.
• If the animal's owner has a renter's policy and it occurred in
their home, it will be covered by that renter's policy, if the
victim chooses to pursue the owner's policy.
• If it occurred in a public space, and neither party has
insurance, a court ruling will most likely be required to
determine who is at fault and who must pay for the medical
treatment.

10. The dog is basically on "house arrest."
This typically lasts for 5-10 days. If the injury is severe, the
canine may be taken for evaluation by animal control, who will
determine if the animal is actually aggressive towards humans.
Unfortunately, if the animal control officer determines that the
animal is a true risk to the community, in many states and
counties they have the right to seize the animal for destruction.

12. If you are bitten by a dog, or are the owner of a dog who bites,
you should contact an attorney if the other party shows interest
in litigation.
• Property and injury law are complex topics, and if the other
party retains an attorney you will be at a significant
disadvantage if you do not have one of your own.
• Contact a reputable attorney for a consultation and
determine if it is to your advantage to pursue damages
against the animal's owner.

13. If you are the animal's owner, you will also want a
consultation to determine if you are at risk for an adverse
ruling from a court.
Even though it is nearly universally an accident, dog bites can
result in significant personal injury and financial damages.

14. The Millea Law Firm is
the Phoenix attorney of
choice if you have a
serious dog bite or other
personal injury.

15. Matt Millea will handle
your case personally and
will prepare it for trial;
what he will not do is
pressure you to accept a
lowball settlement claim
from the insurance
company.

16. Matt Millea cares about his
clients and will ensure you
are compensated for your
medical bills, lost wages,
and pain and suffering.

17. http://www.millealawfirm.com
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