Dog attacks can be completely unexpected. Even a dog you know well can attack, given the right circumstances. Everyone should be aware that owners are liable when their dog attacks except in very limited scenarios, and you should reach out to a Chandler dog bite lawyer at Phillips Law Group for assistance when someone else’s dog harms you or your child.
Our trusted personal injury attorneys have been serving the local area for over three decades and have the experience needed to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Dogs Can Inflict Significant Injuries
All dog attacks can result in severe injuries, regardless of the dog’s size and breed. Although some people are wary of large dogs and breeds used for protection, even small dogs that are bred to be companion animals can cause serious injuries.
Children are more likely to sustain severe injuries from a dog bite because their faces and hands are usually closer to the dog’s mouth than an adult’s would be. Children are also less likely to understand a dog’s warning signals and might not withdraw in time as an adult would. Some common injuries that occur in dog attacks include:
- Severe bruising
- Deep puncture wounds
- Damage to ligaments and tendons
- Loss of fingers
- Disfiguring wounds to the face, including loss of facial features
- Debilitating psychological injuries
Severe dog attacks can even cause death.
Anyone injured by someone else’s dog should contact a Chandler attorney immediately. Our team can investigate the circumstances of the attack and determine the best strategy to ensure the injured person receives appropriate compensation.
Owners Are Liable for Dog Bites
In some states, a dog owner can be held responsible for an attack only if the owner had prior knowledge the dog could be aggressive. This is commonly called the one-bite rule because a dog must bite once before the owner can be held responsible for subsequent bites.
The law here is different. Arizona Statute § 11-1025 makes an owner liable for the consequences of a dog bite if the bite occurred on public property or when the bite victim was lawfully on the dog owner’s property. The owner need not be aware that the dog has a propensity to bite.
The law makes an exception for police and military dogs that are working at the time of the bite. Neither the agency employing the dog nor the owner is liable for injuries a police or military dog causes while working. Additionally, state law does not protect trespassers on private property.
Other Laws Could Apply to Dog Injury Cases
Sometimes, a dog causes an injury that is not the result of a bite, so the dog bite law does not apply. Victims of dog attacks could still claim compensation from the dog’s owner under other legal theories.
Arizona Revised Statute § 11-1012(D) requires dogs to be leashed in public and makes an owner liable if their unleashed animal injures someone. Maricopa County also has a law requiring dogs to be leashed.
A Chandler attorney can also pursue a dog owner on a negligence theory. When the owner does not exercise reasonable caution to protect others from their dog, or when a dog is not leashed in a public area and hurts someone, the owner might have been negligent. If so, they would owe the injured person compensation for their medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Consult a Chandler Attorney About Compensation for Dog Injuries
Dog attacks are physically and emotionally traumatic. Recovery will take time, but you should not bear the financial burden alone.
Dog owners are responsible for their animal’s actions, and you can hold them accountable when a dog injures you or your child. The Chandler dog bite lawyers at Phillips Law Group can ensure you receive appropriate compensation. Schedule a free consultation with a member of the team to learn more today.
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