Animal Attacks

An attack by any animal can result in serious physical injuries and profound psychological trauma. Attorney John C. Giles has the experience with Mesa’s laws regarding animal attacks to help you through the difficult aftermath and recovery process.

Liability for an assault by either a domesticated or wild animal owner varies by location, but nearly all require owners to take reasonable precautions to keep potential victims safe from an attack by their animals. Depending upon the stringency of the governing state’s law, the owner can be held liable regardless of any actions by the victim that may have contributed to the animal attacking them.  Other states hold keepers of wild animals outside of zoos to stricter liability than, say, a dog or other domestic pet owner.

If you or someone you care about is the victim of an animal attack in Mesa, try to remain calm and do the following:

• Identify the animal that bit you, if only to avoid a series of rabies shots
• Get the name, address, and telephone number of the animal’s owner
• If any witnesses are around, get their contact information as well. This includes neighbors that can attest to prior threatening or vicious behavior by the animal
• Definitely seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Take pictures of your bites and other injuries
• Limit any discussion of the attack to the basic facts until you have an attorney present to assist you. Definitely do NOT sign any papers regarding the incident without your lawyer

If you are the victim of an animal attack in Mesa, you should get legal advice on your various claim and lawsuit options, including coverage for immediate and possible future medical treatment, psychological counseling, any loss of earnings due to an inability to work, and punitive damages for your pain and suffering. It is possible that the owner’s home or automobile insurance carrier will compensate you for the attack, even if the owner cannot afford to. 

Contact the law office of John C. Giles at 866-267-7132 after an attack by any animal for advice and to discuss your options for compensation.