Dog Bites

It is a common and welcome sight in Prescott: people walking their dogs in our beautiful neighborhoods, on our scenic trails or around our historic Courthouse Plaza.  While most dogs are friendly, situations can arise where an otherwise friendly dog may bite someone.  In Arizona, as in most states, there are special rules for lawsuits regarding dog bites that are different than a standard personal injury negligence case, such as a motor vehicle collision. The first significant difference is the statute of limitations – the period in which such a claim can be brought – for a dog bite is only one year.  A.R.S. § 12-541(5).  As a result, if you or someone you know is bitten by a dog, it is important to contact a lawyer without delay to ensure your claim is not time-barred. The second significant difference is that Arizona imposes strict liability in dog bite cases.  That means that the dog owner is liable for the dog bite even if the dog has not previously shown any propensity to bite people.  A.R.S. § 11-1025.  This strict liability attaches if the bite occurs in a public place or even if the person who was bitten was lawfully in a private place, such as when the person was a guest on the property of the dog owner.  The strict liability framework also applies to any damage to persons or property that are caused by a dog that is at large, which means the dog is running free outside its owner’s property without a leash.  A.R.S. § 11-1020. A dog owner’s only real defense in a dog bite case is that the victim provoked the dog.  The issue of provocation is determined by whether a reasonable person would expect that the conduct or circumstances under which the dog bite occurred would likely provoke a dog.  A.R.S. § 11-1027. An understanding of dog bite law is important not only for those who have been bitten by a dog, but it is also important for dog owners.  Contrary to popular belief, a dog in Arizona does not get “one free bite.”  That first bite – even if the dog has never shown any vicious propensity and may be a generally calm breed – can still create liability for the dog owner.  Because of this strict liability framework, it is important to keep your dog on a leash when in public and to always be mindful of the actions of others when with your dog. If you find yourself the victim of a dog bite or dog attack, it is important to seek legal representation quickly so that your counsel can pursue your claim and recover the monetary damages which are allowed under Arizona law.