Arizona civil law states that dog owners must take responsibility for the behavior of their animals regardless of whether or not they knew the animals were predisposed towards viciousness prior to an attack. This means that victims of dog bite accidents have legal recourse should they suffer severe physical and economic losses in the wake of a dog owner’s negligence.
You are under no obligation to pursue a dog bite claim on your own. Goodyear dog bite attorneys can meet with you on your terms to discuss how the law entitles you to compensation for your losses. You can schedule a case evaluation with Zanes Law and arrange representation through negotiations or a standard civil trial.
What to Expect When Filing a Dog Bite Case in Goodyear, AZ
Dog bite accidents are classified as personal injury accidents in the eyes of Arizona civil courts. That said, the state has direct legislation that applies to accidents involving a vicious animal and the subsequent injury of a related party. Victims of dog bite accidents are specifically protected by Arizona’s “one bite” rule.
Some states allow dog owners some flexibility if they are unaware of a dog’s Natural Instincts. For example, if a dog owner rescues a dog and doesn’t know that the dog may be triggered by stress or other stimuli, that owner may not be liable for the first dog by accident that said dog causes.
This is not the case in Arizona. Instead, Arizona offers no flexibility to dog owners whose dogs act maliciously, mischievously, or aggressively. Instead, all dog owners can be held liable for their dog’s behavior the first time the dog acts out. This is the case regardless of whether or not the dog owner knew that the dog had a bad temper.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Goodyear, call 866-499-8989
The Overlap Between Personal Injury and Dog Bite Legislation
Dog bite accidents constitute personal injury accidents in Arizona. Despite being a subset of this category of civil claim, however, dog bite claims must still abide by the deadline that applies to the vast majority of other personal injury cases.
Specifically, any party that wants to take action against a dog owner after a dangerous accident must abide by Arizona Revised Statutes §12-542. This personal injury statute of limitations allows victims of dog bite accidents to take up to two years to bring together a case. Interested parties can work with Goodyear dog bite lawyers during this time.
Unfortunately, the deadline is strict. Attempting to file a dog bite claim outside of the personal injury statute of limitations outlined here can see Arizona civil courts deny you your rights to compensation. This is the benefit of working with a dog bite attorney, as experienced professionals can help you stay on track while building your case.
Goodyear Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 866-499-8989
Strict Liability and Its Role in Your Dog Bite Case
The one-bite rule isn’t the only piece of Arizona legislation that addresses dog bite accidents. While Arizona legislature isn’t particularly generous when addressing dog owners, it requires thorough work on the part of victims who want to pursue civil claims based on their losses.
Specifically, dog bite accident victims must abide by strict liability. The state outlines its understanding of strict liability in Arizona Revised Statutes §11-1025. According to this statute, victims of dog bite accidents must prove, with the support of evidence, that:
- They did not antagonize the dog at the time of the accident
- They were not trespassing on private property and were otherwise engaging lawfully alongside the animal
- They endured injuries and/or other losses that can be directly tied to the dog’s aggressive behavior
Victims of dog bike accidents can work with a dog bite lawyer in Goodyear to gather the evidence they need to establish the aforementioned points. This evidence helps prove the value of their case when filing an initial complaint.
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