Representing Victims of Dog Attacks

Myth: if a dog attacks you and causes physical injury, you will not have a successful claim unless that particular dog had attacked another before, therefore placing its owner on notice.

Fact: if a dog attacks you and causes physical injury, you will likely have a successful claim if the dog was not on a leash, or in other words, was "at-large." Because of Arizona's strict liability statutes for dog bites, it is not necessary for a victim to show "vicious propensities" like some other states require.

Being bitten by a dog can cause severe physical and emotional injury. If the attack occurs to a small child, more likely than not the emotional injury will be more severe as the child may now likely become anxious or panic with every future encounter of dangerous appearing dogs.

Most municipalities have created and incorporated ordinances prohibiting dog owners from allowing their dogs to roam freely, without a leash, coining this conduct as "at-large." Also, A.R.S. § 11-1012 states: "person in charge of any dog shall permit such dog in a public park or upon any public school property unless the dog is physically restrained by a leash, enclosed in a car, cage or similar enclosure or being exhibited or trained at a recognized kennel club event, public school or park sponsored event." If you are attacked by an "at-large" dog, contact us immediately.

If You Have Been Attacked, and Suffered Injuries, You May Have a Claim

A.R.S. § 11-1120 creates strict (immediate) liability to an owner of a dog when their unleashed dog attacks and bites another, or, destroys property ("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."). A victim only has only one year to file a lawsuit to protect his strict liability claim against the dog owner.

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, call The Kille Law Firm, PLLC today for a better tomorrow.