Dog Bites

It is important to retain a qualified dog bite injury lawyer after a dog attack due to the serious nature of related personal injuries. Dog attacks are violent events that can lead to life-threatening injuries that can demand serious medical attention and permanent impacts on the victim. From soft-tissue damage to fatal injuries to the neck and face, an aggressive dog can cause many injuries in seconds. A dog attack lawyer can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your various injuries in Arizona.

  • Lacerations

  • Significant blood loss

  • Puncture wounds

  • Bruising/contusions

  • Avulsions (lost skin)

  • Infections

  • Physical disfigurement

  • Permanent scarring

  • Emotional trauma

  • Wrongful death

Strict Liability In Arizona Dog Bite Claims

Arizona’s dog bite statute mandates strict liability, meaning dogs do not get one free bite before owners must accept liability. Pet owners in Arizona will be legally responsible for dog bites even with no prior history of the pet attacking other people or pets. If the person owns the dog, and the dog attacks you, that person will owe you compensation (with very limited exceptions).

Arizona’s strict liability law makes it easier for dog bite victims to obtain compensation, but fighting for a fair amount often requires assistance from a lawyer. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies that are undervaluing your losses or engaging in bad faith practices on your behalf to ensure maximum compensation.

Owner Negligence In Dog Bite Claims

As mentioned above, under Arizona’s strict liability statute, victims do not have to prove the owner had prior knowledge of any violent history the dog may have had. However, if an owner’s negligence was the cause of the attack, victims may pursue compensation under both common law negligence and strict liability claims. Proving dog owner negligence can award victims of dog attacks punitive damage that may result in bigger compensation.

Some examples of dog owner negligence are:

  • Not following state and local leash laws in public places

  • Failing to warn visitors about a dangerous dog

  • Letting the dog run at large

  • Failing to properly confine the animal in their yard

  • Letting a known dangerous dog run free in a public setting

If you believe negligence played a role in your dog attack, contact Van Perseum Law today. We will gather the necessary evidence to prove your attack was a result of the owner’s negligence and get you the compensation you deserve.

What is Arizona’s Dog Bite Statute of Limitations?

There are two different statutes of limitations for dog bite claims in Arizona that vary on the type of case.

If filing under Arizona’s strict liability statute where owner negligence or prior knowledge of aggressive behavior does not have to be proven, victims have a one-year statute of limitations to file a dog bite suit in Arizona.

If you choose to also file under Arizona’s common law, you will have to prove the animal owner had prior knowledge that his dog was prone to aggression and biting. When this is the case, you have two years to file a dog-bite lawsuit.

Dog Attacks Involving Children in Arizona

Attacks on children result in some of the worst injuries since they are small and oftentimes, defenseless. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that nearly 4.7 million attacks related to dog bites occur each year. A significant number of these attacks involve young children, with at least half of all incidents happening to kids.

High rates of bite attacks happen to young kids aged between 5 and 9 years old. Even more shocking, nearly two-thirds of all injuries involve children who are under 4 years old. A majority of these animal attacks include injuries to the neck and head area. Statistics show that boys experience dog bites significantly more than girls, making young boys the group most likely to suffer severe injuries as a result of a dog bite.

If a dog has attacked your child, contact the legal team at Van Peursem Law today. We have a long history of fighting for families and will work hard to get fair compensation for your child’s recovery.

Compensation Available in Dog Bite Claims

Compensation for the injured person in Arizona can include full payments for:

  • Past and future medical bills, scar reduction surgeries or therapies, permanent scarring or disfigurement

  • Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress,

  • Lost quality of life

  • Loss of income and future losses

  • Legal fees

  • Any property damage repairs.

Contact Van Peursem Law today to speak with a professional about your case!