Dogs are a central part of American culture, and estimates indicate that there are more than 75 million dogs living with people in the United States. Clearly, we love our dogs, which means that most people are likely to encounter them on a regular basis whether they own one or not. Unfortunately, not every dog is friendly and submissive, and when a dog feels threatened or is not properly trained, dog bite attacks can and do occur. If this has happened to you, seek the help of Phoenix dog bite injury lawyers as soon as possible. In the meantime, below is an overview of the issue of liability in regards to Arizona dog bites.
Frequency of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Arizona
Before analyzing how liability attaches in Arizona dog bite attacks, one should consider some basic statistics regarding how prevalent this problem is. Every year in the United States, almost five million people are bitten by a dog every year, and almost one million of those who are bitten are injured badly enough to require medical attention. In addition, more than 1,000 people every day visit an emergency room because of injuries suffered from a dog bite, and the majority of people who are harmed are children.
Liability and Lawsuits for Dog Attacks in Phoenix
When a dog bites a person, much will depend on how the injury occurred. If a person trespasses on the dog owner's property and is bitten, it's possible that the owner would not be liable for the injuries that occur. However, in most other situations, the dog's owner would generally be liable if his or her dog attacks someone and causes an injury. There are several scenarios where dog bites can lead to liability for their owners, and examples of them include:
- The dog gets loose from his or her home and attacks a person
- A dog attacks a person in public
- A dog is not kept on a leash and runs free, leading to a dog bite attack
One of the reasons that so many children are bitten is because of the awkward nature of their approach to dogs. When someone feels fear, a dog can sense that and will generally become fearful as well. Fear in a dog will usually lead to a dog bite, and dogs will instinctively attack a person's neck and face much as they would a more natural enemy.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a dog that was not properly restrained, you need to seek the help of experienced Arizona dog bite lawsuit attorneys who have been holding negligent owners accountable for many years. Contact Phillips Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
