Book a Consultation

Serious Personal Injury Law

sdb img1

Severe Dog Bites

As a society, far too many people are quick to blame the dog when a person is bit. We are your dog bite attorneys in Arizona.

At Bailey Law Firm, we firmly believe that people are to blame, not dogs. It is the negligent, careless, irresponsible and even reckless conduct of owners that leads to serious dog bite injuries. 

Dog owners should carefully introduce new people, in and out of the home. Even if their dog is friendly and well-socialized, new people can trigger unexpected reactions. This is especially important because Arizona is a strict liability state. This means owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog’s bite, even absent history of bite(s) or aggression.
 
Compare this to the “one-free-bite rule” followed by many other states. This limits dog owners’ liability to circumstances in which the owner knew their dog was aggressive or their dog had previously bitten a person.

In Arizona, dog owners are not responsible for injuries caused by their dog’s bite if the injured person trespassed or provoked the dog.

A dog is considered legally provoked when the injured person engages in conduct that a reasonable person would believe would provoke a dog. Everyone should take basic precautions when it comes to interacting with dogs. This includes asking the owner before approaching a dog and avoiding any behavior that may annoy or threaten a dog.

Dog bites are generally avoidable through common sense and responsible practices. For example, owners must always leash their dog in public, period.

All doors to and from the home should be secured and all family members (including children) and guests instructed not to let the dog out. Even friendly dogs can run out of the house and react negatively to people. Situations like this can cause serious injuries but are avoidable through responsible pet ownership and basic precautions.

dark blue bck
sdb img2
yellow bck
sdb img3
Dog-friendly patios continue to grow more popular. Owners must always stay vigilant and keep their dogs at their side and under control. Dining with your dog is a fantastic way to socialize because it usually involves a lot of people, other pets, and endless stimuli.
 
People cannot predict everything that might trigger a dog and must pay close attention. With strangers in near by, even a friendly dog can react unexpectedly. It is the owners’ responsibility to ensure their dog shares public space safely with others.
 
According to the CDC, approximately 20% of people who are bitten by a dog require medical attention. Severe dog bites can include bone fractures, disfigurement, nerve damage and serious infection or disease.
 
If you or a loved one have suffered severe injuries from a dog bite, contact a lawyer who will seek to hold the owner responsible, not the dog.
dark blue bck

Book your consultation with the Bailey Law Firm team

Schedule your consultation to speak with our legal team today about your dog bite. Pick your preferred day and time and get it booked quickly and simply.

Dog Bites

Was the dog off leash at the time of the incident?

Have you received treatment for your injury?

By submitting this form an attorney-client relationship has not been established and Bailey Law Firm has not undertaken your representation. The purpose of answering these screening questions is to make an initial determination as to whether a consultation would be productive to determine whether we can help. In some circumstances we do not feel we can help, based on the information provided and in that case will contact you to cancel your requested appointment.

Bailey Law Firm accepts cases on a contingency fee basis. That means that unless and until the case is successfully resolved, either by settlement or court award, you pay no attorney’s fees. We handle cases in the following practice areas:

Wrongful Death
Victim Representation
Traumatic Brain Injury
Severe Dog Bites
Premises Liability
Medical Malpractice
Elder Abuse & Neglect
Dram Shop Liability
Car, Bike & Pedestrian Crashes