Arizona Dog Bite Blog

Dobermans, pit bulls and boxers have a bad reputation when it comes to aggression. These breeds tend to cause more damage during an attack than most other dogs, but evidence shows that these dogs are not necessarily the most aggressive breeds. Dog breed aggression has a lot to do with anxiety and fierce loyalty, especially when a dog is not trained properly. Dog Obedience Advice cites several aggressive breeds and some of them might surprise you.

Old English Sheepdogs
This shaggy dog with a great reputation may actually be more aggressive than other breeds. Sheepdogs see it as their duty to protect their owners, which may lead to aggression toward strangers.

Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas don’t have a lot of patience when it comes to kids. These dogs display aggression if kids play too roughly or touch them when they don’t want to be touched.

Toy Poodles
Toy poodles defend themselves when they feel attacked, but what they perceive as an attack on your part may be roughhousing or playing.

Chow Chows
Chow chows are very loyal to one person and do not like strangers, causing them to possibly bite people without any warning. Once they attack, they are very reluctant to let go.

Miniature Pinschers
Despite the word pinscher in its name, the miniature pinscher is not a smaller version of the Doberman pinscher. Mini pinschers are actually a type of terrier, as evidenced by their high energy and ability to jump very high. These dogs are hard to train and may be aggressive to others.

Dachshunds
The lovable-looking “hot dog” actually has very little patience. If left alone with children or strangers, it may display its aggression by biting.

No matter the reputation of a breed, it’s a dog owner’s responsibility to ensure that a dog does not attack other animals or people. If you sustained injuries in a dog bite attack, the dog’s owner may be liable for your medical expenses. Contact the Phoenix dog bite lawyers of The Breyer Law Offices P.C. to discuss your case. Call us at (602) 457-6222 to determine the best way to proceed with your claim.

One of the defenses a dog owner can use in a dog bite case in Arizona is proof of provocation on the part of the victim. On August 4, 2011, police responded to a report of an argument taking place in an alley. During the fight, the dog bite victim swung a curtain rod at his girlfriend and her dog. He also threatened the woman.

According to the man, who was later arrested on several charges, the dog often growls and snaps at him when he approaches his girlfriend. He stated that the dog bit him when he entered the house that morning, which prompted him to punch the dog with a closed fist. The man denies yelling at his girlfriend, but she reported that he expressed anger toward her, causing the dog to behave aggressively. Charges against the man include threatening and intimidating, aggravated assault, cruelty to animals, disorderly conduct and possession of a weapon by a prohibited possessor.

In some cases, dog bite victims provoke attacks by taunting, hitting, kicking or intimidating defenseless dogs. However, other dog bites are the result of poor training or lack of supervision by the owner. In these cases, the owner could be liable for medical expenses, pain and suffering. Who is liable depends on where the attack happened, who owned the dog and whether the victim was trespassing or was invited into the property.

The Phoenix dog bite injury attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. have the experience needed to help dog bite victims get the compensation they need. If you or a loved one suffered injuries resulting from a dog attack, contact us at 602-457-6222. We will thoroughly review your case at no cost to you.

Arizona law makes it possible for someone who received a dog bite injury to hold the dog owner, insurance company and landlord responsible for medical bills and pain. The defense used for this type of claim depends on the circumstances surrounding the case. The three major defenses are provocation of the animal, negligence on the part of the plaintiff and assumed risk on the part of the plaintiff.

Animal Provocation

In some cases, a defendant can claim that the plaintiff provoked any attack by the animal. Possible methods of provocation include stepping on the dog, taunting the dog with a stick, throwing things at the dog or scaring the dog. The act does not have to be intentional for a defendant to use this argument. If a defendant uses this claim, he must be able to show that the dog bite occurred just after the provocation. If someone kicks a dog and receives a bite a minute later, this is a good indication that the dog was provoked. If someone kicks a dog and then receives a bite two weeks later, the defendant will probably not be able to prove the dog was provoked into biting.

Negligence

If the plaintiff put himself in danger, then the dog owner may not be liable for the bite or may only be partially liable for the bite. Ignoring verbal warnings not to go near a dog is an example of negligence.

Assumed Risk

Someone who knows the risk of going near a dog and does it anyway voluntarily exposes herself to a possible attack. Ignoring signs that say “beware of dog” is one example of ignoring risk. Groomers also assume risk when they care for dogs, especially if the owners inform them of aggressive behavior or previous biting incidents.

The experienced Scottsdale dog bite attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. help victims receive financial compensation to defray the costs of paying for medical treatment related to dog bites. If you or someone you love were injured by a dog bite, contact our firm at 602-457-6222 for a confidential case evaluation and free consultation.

Even the most gentle of dogs can become dangerous if they feel threatened or startled. Many dogs are territorial and instinctively try to protect their owners and their homes. This is why mail carriers are commonly victims of dog bite injuries in Arizona and nationwide. In fact, the National Association of Letter Carriers reports that about 10 letter carriers suffer a dog-related injury every delivery day. Here are a few tips to help mail carriers and delivery workers decrease the chances of a being hurt in an Arizona dog attack:

• When approaching a property, it is important to first check if a dog is on the premises. Is the animal on a leash? Is the animal safely locked in the building?
• If a mail carrier needs to enter a yard with an unleashed dog, it is important to not surprise the animal. Dogs that are sleeping, eating or nursing should be given plenty of room.
• Mail carriers would be well advised to not pet an unknown animal or to make eye contact with a dog that may be dangerous.
• Unless the property has a gate that stops a dog from chasing the mail carrier, it is probably not a good idea to run from the animal. Running away from a dog is a common mistake that can provoke a dog to give chase.
• If a dog attacks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the victim remains still. If the victim is pushed to the ground, the CDC also recommends that the victim lie like a log.
• Also, in case of emergency, it may be in the mail carrier’s best interest to carry dog mace.

The experienced Phoenix dog bite injury attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C help victims of dog attacks receive compensation for the injuries they have suffered. Whether it is through workers compensation or through civil litigation against the dog’s owner, we know how to get our clients the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, please contact us at 602-457-6222 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Not all dog bite accidents can be prevented, but there are a number of steps that dog owners can take to help prevent a dog attack in Arizona. It is in the best interest of dog owners to remain attentive and careful because under Arizona law they can be held liable for the damages their pets cause.

Even the most calm and well-trained dogs should remain on a leash whenever taken on a walk. You never know when your dog will feel startled, scared or threatened. Having the animal close by and tethered will allow the owner to better control the situation.

If you are aware that your dog may be dangerous or that your female dog is in heat, you are required by law to keep your animal leashed. Arizona Statute 11-1012 also requires dogs in public parks and school properties to be physically restrained at all times.

Dog owners should not allow visitors near their pet while it is eating, nursing or sleeping. Pet owners should not encourage biting by playing biting games or tug-of-war type activities. Dogs should not be left chained outside for long periods of times or neglected. Dogs that are hungry or unloved have a greater chance of lashing out at strangers. Neglected and/or abused animals are also likely to become violent.

Under Arizona Statute 11-1025, dog owners may be held liable for the damages their pet causes. Injured dog bite victims can seek compensation for all medical expenses, lost wages, cost of surgeries and treatments. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Arizona dog attack, please contact the reputed Peoria dog bite attorneys of The Breyer Law Offices P.C. Call us today at 602-457-6222 to explore your legal rights and options.

If a dog has injured you or a loved one in Arizona, you would be well advised to research Arizona leash laws and to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney in Arizona can walk you through the laws pertinent to your case to help you determine whether to pursue damages against the dog’s owner.

Under Arizona Revised Statute 11-1020: “Injury to any person or damage to any property by a dog while at large shall be the full responsibility of the dog owner or person or persons responsible for the dog when such damages were inflicted.” The phrase “at large” refers to a dog being allowed off property without a leash. Arizona dog owners have a legal obligation to protect others from the actions of their pets.

ARS 11-1012 specifically makes it illegal for a dog owner to allow a known vicious dog or a female dog in heat to be allowed off leash. “Any dog over the age of three months running at large shall wear a collar or harness to which is attached a valid license tag.” The law also states that “no person in charge of any dog shall permit such dog in a public park or upon any public school property unless the dog is physically restrained by a leash.”

Victims of dog bite incidents in Arizona may pursue financial compensation for damages such as medical bills, surgery, pain and suffering and lost wages. The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. help hold dog owners responsible for the injuries suffered in Arizona dog attacks. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Arizona dog attack, call us at 602-457-6222 to get help right away.

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) has reported that there were 1,100 dog bites reported in the Southeast Valley in 2010. According to a news report in The Arizona Republic, that number reflects a significant portion of the 5,500 reported dog bites throughout Maricopa County. City specific animal bite incidents include: Mesa (675), Chandler (185), Tempe (179) and Gilbert (163). A representative from the county department has stated that the overall Arizona dog bite incidents in 2010 were down from the number of reported dog bites in 2009.

There are a number of different causes of dog bite incidents. Not all dog attacks in Arizona can be prevented, but having a basic understanding of safety measures can decrease your chances of being hurt. Staying away from unsupervised and unknown dogs, for example, is a simple but important rule. Parents would be well advised to teach children not to hug or kiss dogs. Most dogs, friendly or not, do not like face-to-face contact. Dogs should also not be bothered while eating or sleeping and an animal that appears frightened or threatened should also be avoided.

When someone is injured by a dog, he or she may pursue financial compensation for losses such as medical bills and lost wages by filing a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. The family of a child injured by a dog may pursue compensation on the victim’s behalf. This process becomes complicated when an insurance company or a dog owner denies responsibility for the dog attack.

The skilled Mesa dog bite lawyers at The Breyer Law Offices P.C work diligently to ensure that injured victims and their families secure the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. We fight to protect the rights of our clients while ensuring that the negligent dog owner is held accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, please call us at 602-457-6222 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

Animal bites if left untreated could lead to serious or even fatal injuries, a big reason why close monitoring of such cases is important. Last year, animal bite incidents reached 1,100 in the Southeast Valley (AZ Central 05/28/20111). According to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control’s report, 185 cases were from Chandler, 179 from Tempe, 163 from Gilbert, and 28 from Queen Creek.

On the other hand, Mesa which has its own animal control division had 674 animal bite cases in 2010.

Over all, the county had 5,500 animal bites, mostly dog bite injuries, reported last year.

Though figures seem high, reports were actually better compared to 2009 which had a higher number of animal bite incidents in Arizona reported.

Animal Control attempts to lower cases by disseminating information to residents by holding events, meetings, and visiting Mesa schools to discuss and give tips on how to avoid dangerous incidents with animals.

Such campaigns aim to educate pet owners since many cases involved pets rather than stray animals. Proper pet training is one of the essential ways in order to prevent animal bite incidents.

Mesa Animal Control also adds that any dog bite that punctures the skin should be reported immediately and the dog involved be quarantined in order to be checked for rabies.

Staying away from stray animals is also advised in order to help lower animal bite incidents in the county.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a dog bite in the Arizona area and is interested in receiving compensation with regards to a personal injury, call our Arizona dog bite victim rights attorneys at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

Under Arizona Revised Statute 11-1025, dog owners may be held liable for the damages their pets cause to people. According to a news report in The Arizona Republic, Governor Jan Brewer has signed House Bill 2137. The new law, which goes into effect after a 90-day period, states that dog owners may now be held liable for the damages their dog causes to other household pets.

Under the new law, it will be a Class 3 felony to knowingly cause a dog to injure a person. Dog owners who allow their aggressive dog to escape may be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor. The new law also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to fail to control and prevent a dangerous dog from attacking a human or domestic animal.

According to The Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Department, in the year 2010 there were approximately 900 dog-on-dog attacks. The new bill may reduce the number of serious injury dog attacks to people because animals that are prone to vicious attacks on animals may be more likely to attack people as well.

Anyone who has been injured in an Arizona dog attack would be well advised to immediately seek medical attention and to discuss his or her legal options with a skilled dog bite attorney. Compensation may be available for losses including medical expenses and time away from work.

The knowledgeable Arizona dog bite lawyers at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. help injured victims get the compensation they need to recover from a vicious dog attack. To discuss your rights and the compensation that may be available to you, please call our offices at 602-457-6222 right away.

Scottsdale dog bite lawyers understand that a vicious dog attack, especially on a child, has the potential to be catastrophic or fatal. Recently, there was a report of two separate dog attacks within a week in Fremont, California. One of the attacks involved a 5-year-old girl whose ear was ripped off by a German Shepherd mix that had a history of aggression. An earlier incident involved a 7-year-old girl who was bitten by a Labrador retriever mix. Both victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries. Thankfully, they are both expected to survive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children are more likely than adults to require medical attention following a dog bite. The most common victims of dog bite injuries are between the ages of 5 and 9. In fact, 42 percent of all dog bites involve a child under the age of 14.

Children should be taught to avoid dogs they are not familiar with. Children should also learn to not run or scream from a dog but instead stand still. It is not safe to make eye contact with a potentially dangerous dog either. Dogs should not be disturbed when sleeping or eating. Children should understand very clearly that they are not to approach a strange dog.

That said, no amount of precaution can prevent all Arizona dog bite injuries. There are many cases where dogs attack victims unprovoked. There are also cases where dangerous dogs are allowed by their owners to roam loose in the neighborhood. This puts others at risk. If you have been injured in a dog attack, the Arizona personal injury attorneys of The Breyer Law Offices P.C. can help explain your legal rights and options. Call us today at 602-457-6222 for a no-cost consultation.