Home » Law and Legal Articles » When Fido Attacks! What Are A Dog Owner's Responsibilities Under Arizona
When Fido Attacks! What Are A Dog Owner's Responsibilities Under Arizona
Arizona dog bite laws allow for recovery of damages after a dog bite, and even criminal penalties, in some cases.
September 27, 2011 /Law and Legal PR News/ -- When Fido Attacks! What Are A Dog Owner's Responsibilities Under Arizona
You may be walking in the park, hanging out at a neighbor's party, or visiting a relative when you encounter a cute dog, waiting to be petted. But unfortunately, because of temperament or fear, that cute dog may suddenly bite you, leading to superficial or serious wounds to your fingers, hands, arms, legs or face. Even a small dog bite could become infected and cause serious injuries that put you in the hospital. So what are a dog owner's responsibilities in Arizona? What duty do dog owners have to keep others safe from injury? What happens if a dog does bite a friend, relative or stranger?
Arizona's Dog Bite Laws: Civil and Criminal Liability
In Arizona, if a dog bites someone, the dog's owner can face a civil lawsuit for the injuries the dog bite causes, or even criminal charges in some serious cases. Dog bite victims do not have to prove that the dog was vicious or had a propensity to bite -- that is, Arizona does not have a "one free bite law" like some other states. If a dog bites someone in a public location or while lawfully on private property, the dog's owner must pay for the dog bite injuries. In Arizona, the only exception to this rule is if the dog owner can show that his or her dog was provoked into biting the person.
Arizona law also provides that a dog owner could be criminally charged with a misdemeanor if his or her dog bites someone, depending on the circumstances. Under Arizona statutes, a dog owner could be convicted of a misdemeanor if the dog owner has allowed the dog to run "at large," the dog bites someone, and the court finds that one of the following is true: (1) the dog owner knows or should know that the dog "has the propensity to attack, injure or harm, or (2) the court finds that the dog is "vicious."
Dog Bite Victims Can Be Compensated for Cuts, Scarring and Other Injuries
Arizona law provides that dog bite victims can be compensated for "damages suffered by the person bitten." That could include lacerations, bruising, infection, amputation, scarring or maiming of the face, hand, arm or other parts of the body and any other injuries sustained from the dog bite. Dog bite victims may be able to recover for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. Talk to an experienced dog bite attorney if you have suffered injuries after a dog bite.
Article provided by Law Offices Of Jay A. Bansal
Visit us at www.jaybansallaw.com
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com |
|
|
Press Release Contact Information:
Findlaw PR
|
|
|
|
|
| LAW AND LEGAL ARCHIVE SEARCH |
|
|
| |
| SUBMIT LAW AND LEGAL NEWS |
|
|
| |
|
|
Advertise With Us |
About Us |
Contact Us