Anyone who has ever played with a puppy knows that those little guys have really sharp teeth. Even playful nips can sting, offering a reminder that the damage a dog’s bite can cause isn’t necessarily related to its size.
And when it comes to legal claims, it’s not associated with its breed, either.
Dog bites have the potential to cause real injuries, some of them severe or life-changing. And it’s those injuries, not the breed of the dog, that carries the most weight in a dog bite legal claim. As an experienced dog bite injury lawyer in Arizona, the Torgenson Law team has represented a number of clients who were injured by dog bites and the primary factor for compensation has consistently been related to the severity of the injury.
Although certain breeds of dogs have been characterized as being more aggressive than others, it’s important to remember that any dog can bite someone — including dogs that have never exhibited aggressive behavior previously. At Torgenson Law, we’ve seen that a dog’s history of aggressive behavior can however influence a dog bite settlement, in part because it is linked to owner liability.
Arizona dog bite law places strict liability on dog owners when the animal bites someone. That strict liability means, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of a dog’s level of aggression, the owner will be held responsible for damages caused by the dog on public property or in a lawfully private place.
There are a few exceptions to the strict liability, which include a dog’s response to an intruder or a dog’s response to being provoked. The strict liability statute in Arizona also does not offer exceptions for certain breeds, and insurance can not use a dog’s breed to determine risk, liability or policy rates.
Put simply, dog owners are responsible for their dog’s behavior in Arizona.
A recently passed law adds even more muscle to that strict liability statute by requiring dog owners to stay at the scene of a dog bite and exchange contact information with the person who was bitten. Leaving the scene without doing so could result in a Class 2 Misdemeanor, which carries the possibility of jail time and extensive fines.
Dog bite compensation in Arizona is largely dependent on the cost of the injuries. At Torgenson Law, we recovered $1.05 million for a client who was permanently scarred after being bitten in the face, so we understand that injuries can be serious and compensation needs to be, too. To achieve the best results in a dog bite compensation claim in Arizona, a personal injury lawyer should gather as much evidence as possible.
The stronger the evidence, the stronger the case.
As trusted Phoenix personal injury lawyers, we work with clients to gather witness statements, including video or photos, as well as medical records to accurately illustrate in the claim who is responsible for a dog bite. In addition, we include context on the dog’s previous behavior and we make sure that long-term health impacts as well as long-term quality of life assessments are included in the claim.
Dog bites can have lasting impacts, from a physical perspective but also emotionally and financially. Dog bite compensation in Arizona, as part of a dog bite settlement, should reflect all of those factors.
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.
