Dog bites and animal attacks are unpredictable, and all too often result in serious personal injuries, emotional trauma, and even death in the case of a fatal attack. While pit bull attacks seemingly receive the most attention, any dog can obviously bite and, under certain circumstances, any dog or animal can become a dangerous animal. Many states, including Arizona, have specific dog bite laws that provide protection for dog bite victims. Though a dog bite, pit bull attack or other animal attack case may seem relatively simple, the issues in an injury or death are complex and often involve questions of legal liability and insurance coverage.

A person who keeps or has control of an animal may be liable for personal injury or property damage caused by the animal. A ‘keeper’ of an animal is a person that "harbors, protects, or shelters" the animal. This person does not necessary have to be the actual ‘owner’ of the animal, however an owner who retains some degree of control over an animal can sill be liable for its behavior even when the animal is under the care of others.

The laws of Arizona provide that the owner of an attacking dog is strictly liable for injuries caused by dog bites. Under Arizona law:

Injury to any person or damage to any property by a dog while at large shall be the full responsibility of the dog owner or person or persons responsible for the dog when such damages were inflicted.

The owner of a dog which bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of its viciousness.

Not every dog bite case requires a personal injury attorney, however when deciding whether or not to press charges against the offending dog's owner it is wise to consult with a lawyer who understands this area of law. Our qualified personal injury attorneys can help you receive just compensation for your physical injury, lost wages, future medical costs, and all other expenses associated with a dog bite or animal attack.

If you or someone you care about has been injured by a dog bite or an animal attack, contact us today at 480.503.9217 for a FREE consultation.

The law office of Wilson-Goodman & Fong, P.C., provides a wide range of legal services to meet the varied needs of individuals and families in Phoenix, Arizona. We serve clients in Maricopa County and Pinal County, and the communities of the East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Chandler Heights, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Florence, Gold Canyon, Eloy, Maricopa, and Coolidge.