Being bitten by a dog can be a terrifying experience for everyone involved. The injured party might be worried about contracting a disease, while the dog’s owner is worried about any legal repercussions. With so much at stake, all dog owners in Arizona need to be aware of their responsibilities and what steps they should take after an incident to protect themselves. So, the question remains: What happens if my dog bites someone in Arizona?
In short, Arizona has strict liability laws. You could be held financially responsible for what happened, even if your dog has never shown any aggressive behavior before. Let’s walk through what all of this means and how you should respond in this situation.
Arizona Has a Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
In some states across the country, a dog owner is only liable for injuries if they were aware their dog was dangerous but didn’t take any precautions.
Arizona takes a different approach:
- Arizona Revised Statutes 11-1025 states that dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone else in a public place or someone who is lawfully on private property.
- When this happens, you could be responsible for covering medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Unlike other states, there is no “free bite” rule. One incident can lead to the same consequences that multiple incidents would.
- Homeowners’ insurance could help to cover some costs, but not all policies include dog bite liability. Even if it does, some dog breeds could be excluded.
For more clarity on what rules and laws apply to your own case, it’s a good idea to connect with a Phoenix personal injury attorney. They will take an assessment of what happened and let you know what regulations and insurance policies apply to your case.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident
Whether you were present when your dog bit someone or you were made aware of the incident after it happened, how you respond matters. The quicker you are able to take action, the more you can prevent the situation from escalating.
For example:
- Ensure whoever was injured receives medical attention right away. Even if their bites seem minor, it’s important to be checked out. Infections can escalate over time, and getting treatment like a tetanus shot in advance can prevent matters from getting worse.
- Provide your contact information and dog’s vaccination records. The more transparent you are upfront, the more it could reduce the likelihood of a legal claim from the individual who was bitten.
- Report the bite to your local animal control office, such as Animal Care & Control in Maricopa County. This creates a formal record of the incident. It can help to show that you are taking the incident seriously and are not trying to hide anything to avoid a charge.
- If your dog bites someone and they are unvaccinated, Arizona law requires it to be quarantined for a minimum of 10 days at either a county pound or veterinary facility. Showing your compliance with this law as well can benefit you later on.
Why Dog Bites Are a Bigger Deal Than You Might Think
A dog bite can trigger more health concerns beyond just fixing the immediate injury. For example, contracting rabies is a major concern among many dog bite victims. This is especially true if they learn the dog they were bitten by is unvaccinated for rabies. In Arizona, dog bites are actually reported more often than cat bites. This results in more rabies testing requests for dogs. To prove your dog has been vaccinated, ensure you provide authorities with your documentation.
Some typical fears of victims when this happens include:
- Contracting rabies or some other infection
- Needing stitches, surgery, or some other long-term medical care
- Emotional trauma from fear of another dog altercation
- Not knowing or trusting if the dog has been vaccinated
- Potential scarring or permanent injury
FAQs
Q: Can My Dog Be Taken Away After It Bites Someone?
A: While it will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, your dog will most likely not be taken away automatically after a bite. To boost your chances of not losing your dog, cooperate with the authorities and demonstrate how your dog does not have a history of aggression. You can also work with an attorney who can help you explore your options.
Q: How Can a Dog Bite Affect a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?
A: There are many instances where your homeowner’s insurance would cover a dog bite injury, but the details depend on what coverage you have. Some factors that could influence whether or not your insurance coverage applies include what breed the dog is, how extensive the injuries were, and what other claims you have submitted in the past. It’s a good idea to check your policy before something like this occurs, so you’re fully aware of what is covered.
Q: Can Someone File a Claim Even if the Injury Was Minor?
A: Yes, even if you personally feel like the injury was minor and not that big of a deal, the injured party still has the right to sue. They could try to recover compensation for pain or emotional distress. Even a relatively inexpensive procedure, like a few stitches, could still be recouped through compensation. The courts do not require only life-threatening injuries for a person to seek damages, so be sure to work with your lawyer if you have questions.
Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer if My Dog Bites Someone?
A: No one will force you to hire a lawyer, but they will highly recommend doing so. Having a trained legal professional in this capacity can be extremely helpful, especially if a claim has been filed. They can help to protect your financial interests and prevent you from having to pay out more than necessary.
Contact Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C. Today
If you have recently been involved in a dog bite incident, contact our firm today. We will work through the details of what happened to ensure your rights are upheld throughout the entire process.
