Victims of dog attacks enjoy legal protections in Arizona. A recent dog bite incident in an Arizona community several hours northwest of the Phoenix area left one man injured. The dog bite victim was treated at the hospital and Animal Care and Welfare officers were attempting to locate the dog and its own for quarantine procedures. The incident occurred in the early morning hours when a dog came up behind the man and bit him on his lower leg.
Officers searched the area but could not locate the dog or its owner and are asking for information related to the dog bite incident. Arizona dog bite law is referred to as strict dog bite law which holds the owner of a dog strictly liable for any harm it causes regardless of the circumstances. This helps protect victims unexpectedly harmed by a dog bite. Dog bite injuries can result in serious physical harm, as well as emotional harm to the victim.
When the dog bite victim is injured in public or lawfully on private property when they are injured, the owner of the animal that caused the harm is strictly liable for the injuries and damages suffered by the victim. Depending on the circumstances, victims may be able to recover compensation for the physical, financial and emotional harm associated with a dog attack including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. Different options may be available to victims when locating the dog and its owner are a challenge.
Victims of animal bites are provided with ample protections in Arizona. Because of the oftentimes traumatic nature of a dog attack and the extensive nature of the damages that sometimes accompany one, it is important that victims are familiar with the legal options and resources available to help them when harmed.
Source: Mohave Valley Desert News, “Police seek public help in dog bite,” May 11, 2017
