Causes of Dog Bites
by Arizona Dog Bite Attorney - Mark Breyer
The best Arizona dog bite lawyer will give a proper evaluation of a dog bite incident that resulted in injuries and make sure that the rights of the injured will be protected. There are many causes of dog bites. Researchers have stated that the following are factors that increase the possibility of dog bite injury accidents:
- having a dog chained or tied-up;
- male dogs are found to be more aggressive as compared to female dogs;
- dogs that are taken from "puppy mills" or from pet stores show more aggression;
- training and discipline is not adequate;
- inadequate socialization as a puppy;
- poor health;
- fear and the pain experience; and
- the first vaccination of the puppy is only after 8 weeks of life.
Statistics for Dog Bites
In the United States, there are approximately 4.7 million cases of dog bites per year. Male dog bites accounted for 92% of fatal dog attacks and 25% involved dogs who were chained. There are about 800,000 bites per year that are serious enough to warrant medical treatment.
Arizona State Dog Bite Law
When a dog bites another person in Arizona, the law states that the owner is the one responsible for the injured person. Also, there is no "one free bite" in Arizona; therefore, regardless if the owner knows about their dog's viciousness, he or she will be held strictly liable for the injuries suffered. Under Arizona dog bite law, the dog owner can argue that the injured victim provoked the dog as a defense. However, if there is no evidence of provocation and the claim is filed within one year, the law is that the dog owner is strictly held responsible even if the owner did not have any evidence that the dog would bite someone.
Liability Issues in Arizona Dog Bite Injury Cases
Many people own and want to own dogs. When a dog is in the household, it is the owner's responsibility to make sure that the dog is in a comfortable situation where they do not feel threatened by other people in the home. Many times dog owners never expect that it would be their dog that attacked another individual. Dogs are not human beings and their behavior is many times unexpected. Regardless of the dog's history in appropriate behavior toward other individuals and other dogs, when a dog bites a person, the dog owner is responsible unless provocation can be proven.
Should You Contact an Expert Arizona Dog Bite Lawyer?
An expert injury lawyer will make sure that the rights of the dog bite victims are protected. Dog bite injury claims in AZ can be complex as the statute of limitations differs in dog bite claims compared to other types of injury claims in Arizona. The best lawyers will not charge for a consultation and will not take a fee until the case is settled. Attorney Mark Breyer is an expert injury lawyer in Arizona. Only about 1% of all Arizona lawyers have been declared experts by the State Bar of Arizona. If you have been bitten by a dog and sustained injuries from the dog attack, call Alexis and Mark Breyer, The Husband and Wife Law Team, for a free consultation.
