Dogs aren’t always with their owners. And when they aren’t, an increasing number are with a dog sitter rather than a boarding service. In fact, industry data indicates that two-thirds of pet owners prefer a pet sitter over a boarding facility.
About the same percentage of pet owners used a pet sitting service in the last year, which makes one wonder who is responsible if a dog sitter’s dog bites someone? The short answer is, it’s somewhat complicated.
While Arizona has a strict liability law for dog bites, it does recognize gray areas of liability, especially when a dog bites someone while in the care of a dog sitter. Anyone who finds themselves in this situation may want to consider working with a dog bite injury lawyer, like the professionals at Torgenson Law.
Determining liability and managing an injury claim is complex, particularly in this circumstance. And experience with dog bite liability in Arizona will absolutely come in handy.
In Arizona, dog bite responsibility is determined by a strict liability law, which means dog owners carry the responsibility for damages if their dog bites someone either in public or lawfully on private property. There are some exceptions to the strict liability law when it comes to whether a dog was provoked, whether the dog bit an intruder or whether the dog was in the care of a pet sitter.
Understanding those exceptions allows victims of dog bites to better understand their own rights and legal options.
Arizona’s strict liability law means that victims generally don’t have to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner to assign responsibility. However, proving negligence becomes more important when the dog is in the care of a dog sitter. There are certain circumstances in particular that could help prove negligence on the part of the dog sitter in the event of a bite.
Those circumstances include:
All of these situations could indicate negligence and ultimately liability for a dog bite. An experienced personal injury lawyer with expertise in dog bite liability in Arizona is equipped to sort that out. At Torgenson Law, we are seasoned at building cases that involve dog bite negligence vs. strict liability, and we understand the evidence that is needed to prove dog handler liability in Arizona.
When someone experiences a dog bite, it’s important for that person to seek medical attention. Injuries should be assessed and treated, and documentation of care should be archived. Any witnesses to the bite should be interviewed, and any video or photos of the incident should be collected.
In addition, the dog bite should be reported to the appropriate authorities. The state enforces a dog bite law that requires owners to stay at the scene of the bite and exchange contact information with the victim, or face the potential of fines and jail time. And individual cities have their own set of rules related to dog safety, including leash laws and whether a dog needs to be confined to the owner’s property.
It can be challenging for an individual to be able to sort out the various rules and regulations related to dogs while recovering from a bite, which is why guidance from an experienced dog bite attorney can really help. Dog bite negligence is a serious claim, especially when the injuries are severe or life-changing. Whether a dog sitter was involved or a dog owner, it’s valuable for someone who has experienced a dog bite to connect with a Phoenix dog bite attorney to get a good understanding of their rights.
No one should navigate a dog bite injury case alone. The team at Torgenson Law is here to support you through this process, ensuring your best interests are represented. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog bite, reach out to our team today.
No pressure, no upfront costs, just answers from a legal team that takes your recovery personally.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
