Have you or someone you know been bitten by a dog in Arizona? You could be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered, but the process of recovering that compensation can be difficult, especially while you’re still recovering from a painful ordeal.
At Gill Law Firm, we understand the difficulties you’re facing and are ready to help. Our team can manage your claim efficiently, deal with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let the opportunity for rightful compensation slip away. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more about your options.
Overview of Arizona’s Dog Bite Laws
Arizona dog owners face strict liability if their dogs bite people. This means dog owners are responsible for any injuries their dogs cause when they bite, regardless of whether the owner was aware of the dog’s propensity to bite. This strict liability approach differs significantly from the “one-bite” rules in other states, where owners are only accountable if they knew of the dog’s tendency to bite. In Arizona, the focus is not on the owner’s prior knowledge or the dog’s history but simply on the incident itself. However, exceptions to this strict liability standard exist in cases where the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog when the bite occurred.
Liability for Dogs “At Large”
Arizona imposes liability for all injuries, not just bites, on owners of dogs that cause harm while “at large.” A dog is considered “at large” if it is not restrained by a leash or adequately secured within a confined space, such as a fenced yard or a kennel. So, for instance, if a dog roaming freely causes a car accident by running into the street, the owner would be liable for any injuries resulting from the accident.
Negligence Claims
Arizona law also allows for negligence claims in scenarios where a dog that is not at large causes injury without biting. For example, a negligence claim might exist if a dog on a leash jumps on someone, causing them to fall and get injured. In such cases, the injured party must demonstrate that the dog owner or the person handling the dog at the time of the incident was negligent. Proving negligence involves showing that the owner did not follow expected practices for restraining or controlling the dog, such as ensuring it was on a suitable leash or properly supervising its behavior around others. Victims must demonstrate how the owner’s lack of care directly led to their injuries in this type of claim.
Aggressive and Vicious Dogs
Arizona law distinguishes between aggressive and vicious dogs based on the severity of the threat they pose. Aggressive dogs are those that have exhibited unprovoked dangerous behaviors, like biting or attempting to attack a person or another animal. Owners of aggressive dogs are legally required to take specific precautions to prevent any chance of the dog escaping and to ensure they are under control at all times outside the home.
Vicious dogs are those with a propensity to attack or threaten the safety of humans without provocation and pose a more severe risk. Owners of such dogs face strict legal obligations, including confinement and strict control measures, and harsher penalties for non-compliance, such as higher fines or imprisonment.
If the owner of an aggressive or vicious dog fails to meet these standards, and you get bitten as a result, the owner will be liable due to their failure to adhere to the required safety measures.
Steps to Take If You Get Bitten by a Dog
If you suffer a dog bite injury in Arizona, you should act quickly to ensure your safety, receive appropriate medical attention, and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical care to have the injury assessed and treated by a healthcare professional.
- Report the dog bite to local animal control authorities for official documentation.
- Gather information about the dog and its owner, including contact details and any known history of aggression or previous incidents.
- Take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred to generate visual evidence for your claim.
- Contact witnesses who saw the attack and ask for their contact information, as their statements could support your case.
- Consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Arizona to discuss your options for seeking compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
If you suffer a dog bite injury in Arizona, you have limited time to take legal action. For strict liability cases, you must file your lawsuit within one year of the injury. If you have a negligence-based claim, you have two years from the date of the incident to file.
If you wait too long to initiate legal action, you will lose the opportunity to seek compensation, as courts will not allow your lawsuit to proceed. This is why you should always contact a lawyer immediately after a dog bite incident. They will understand the urgency of your situation and can manage your claim efficiently to meet these strict filing deadlines.
How a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help
A dog bite injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your legal claim by:
- Investigating the circumstances of the dog bite incident
- Gathering evidence such as medical records and witness statements
- Consulting with medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries
- Calculating the total costs of your injuries for accurate compensation
- Coordinating with law enforcement and animal control officials
- Securing expert testimonies to support your case
- Filing all necessary legal documents on time
- Negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company
- Preparing your case for a trial, if necessary
- Representing you in all court appearances
- Challenging any claims by the defense that you provoked the dog
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Buckeye Today
If you have suffered a dog bite injury in Arizona, Gill Law Firm is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us assist you in moving forward.