Glendale AZ Dog Bite Lawyer

Glendale Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs can be a pleasant companion for many people. However, dog owners still have a legal responsibility to protect the public. If a dog bites someone, their owner can be held liable for their injuries. A Glendale, AZ, dog bite lawyer can help guide you in pursuing an effective dog bite claim.

Why Choose Us?

Dog bite cases can be complex, particularly due to Arizona’s strict liability and negligence regulations. An experienced dog bite lawyer can look at your case and gather relevant evidence to help you secure the compensation you are owed. This can include speaking with insurance companies and pursuing legal claims.

Bleaman Law Firm is committed to helping people who have been bitten by dogs in Glendale, Arizona. When someone gets hurt by a dog, it can be emotionally and financially difficult. We can help you through this legal process. If a dog bites you, we can help you get the justice you deserve.

Arizona Strict Liability in Dog Bites

Arizona follows strict liability in regards to dog bites. This means that dog owners are responsible for dog bites regardless if they had reason to believe the dog was dangerous or not. In comparison, other states may not hold the owner responsible if the dog has never bitten or been violent before. Arizona holds the owner responsible regardless of prior history.

This strict liability applies if the dog attacks a person in a public place or if the person that was bit was legally in a private space, such as being invited into their home or delivering a package.

Negligence Claims for Dog Bites

Generally speaking, strict liability covers incidents that occur while the dog is “at large,” meaning that the dog was not leashed nor confined to a secured space. However, a person may claim the owner was negligent if the dog was not “at large.” For instance, if the owner had the dog on a leash but walked too closely to another person and the dog bit them as they were walking by, they may be able to claim the owner was negligent in their handling of the dog.

Claiming negligence requires that the victim show proof of negligence. To prove negligence, a victim would have to show that the owner did not correctly act when handling or restraining their dog. Common examples of irresponsible behavior include disregarding a dog’s aggressive behavior or failing to properly secure a leash. In such circumstances, the dog owner may be held liable for the subsequent injuries and damages.

Common Defenses for Dog Owners

Arizona is fairly strict when it comes to dog owner responsibility. However, there are still defenses that a dog owner may use to avoid paying a civil claim. Common defenses used by dog owners include:

• The victim was trespassing. If the victim that was bitten was not on public property and was not legally permitted to be on the private property in which they were bitten, this defense may be used. For instance, if the victim was attempting to burglarize a home and was bit by the homeowner’s dog in the process, the owner may not be held liable.
• The victim provoked the dog. These determinations are based on the specific circumstances of the case. Provocation can include teasing, physically hurting, threatening, harassing the dog, or scaring the dog.

What To Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog

Immediately seek medical attention if you’ve been bitten by a dog so your injuries may be treated and formally documented. Wipe off the wound completely, even if the bite is minor, to prevent infection. Take photographs of the wound and get the contact information of the dog owner. You may also want to get information about the dog, including vaccination information.

Contact a dog bite lawyer who can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a legal standing to receive compensation for your damages. You may also need to file an official report with animal control or law enforcement to have an official record of the attack.

FAQs

Q: Can I Make a Claim for a Dog Bite in Arizona?

A: In Arizona, you may file a claim for a dog bite because of strict liability laws. These laws make dog owners responsible, whether they know their dog is dangerous or not. If the dog bit you in public or while legally on private property, you can file a claim. You could also file a claim against the dog’s owner for negligence if they did not properly secure their dog.

Q: How Much Money Can I Get From a Dog Bite?

A: In a dog bite case, the amount of money you get relies on how badly you were hurt, your medical bills, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering. Financial damages, like medical bills, and non-financial damages, like mental distress or pain and suffering, can both be paid to victims. The exact amount varies, but an attorney can help you determine how much may be available to you.

Q: What Is Considered Provoking a Dog in a Dog Bite Claim?

A: Proving that someone was provoking a dog in a dog bite claim can mean the owner is not liable for the damages. Provoking a dog could be kicking, tormenting, removing the food, hitting, or pulling the tail or ears of the animal, causing it to lash out and attack. If it can be determined that a reasonable person would expect these actions would provoke the dog, the owner could avoid liability.

Q: What Happens After a Dog Bite Is Reported?

A: When someone reports a dog bite in Arizona, animal control or the police will look into it. They might decide if the dog is dangerous or vicious. If the dog is found to be vicious, the owner could face penalties such as being fined. The dog may be put in a kennel, and the victim may take legal action against the owner if the dog has a history of biting people.

Contact Bleaman Law Firm, PC

If you were injured due to a dog bite in Glendale, Arizona, Bleaman Law Firm, PC can help you get the compensation you need. Contact us today to get started with a consultation to discuss the details of your case.