Phoenix Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs have earned their title as man’s best friend. These loveable creatures improve the lives of their owners in big and small ways. This is perhaps why there were nearly 77 million dogs in U.S. households in 2018, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Unfortunately, dogs don’t always live up to their friendly reputation. AVMA reports that each year, approximately 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs. Of these, about 800,000 are serious enough to require medical intervention.

Below, we’ll share some important information about who is liable when dogs bite, as well as some factors that make a dog attack much more likely.

Insurance Companies Typically Pay Dog-Bite Claims

Dog bites are covered under most home insurance policies. Even if the attack didn’t happen on the dog owner’s property, the claim can be made against his or her insurer. In 2018 alone, insurers paid nearly $675 million in claims related to dog bites and attacks.

Still, insurers are not eager to part with this money. Therefore, they may try to deny or limit your claim unless you have your own attorney vigorously advocating for you.

What Makes a Dog More Likely to Bite?

Dogs are a lot like humans in that they all have different temperaments Some are just mean, while others attack out of fear or of misunderstanding a human’s intentions. Still others attack because that is what they’ve been taught and conditioned to do.

These are some of the aggravating factors that could increase the risk of a dog bite and/or leave dog owners liable for bites:

• Failing to have a male dog neutered (this significantly reduces aggression)
• Training a dog to be an attack dog, guard dog, or otherwise behave aggressively
• Failing to keep the dog secured on the owner’s property or leashed whenever off the property
• Failing to seek regular veterinary care to ensure that the dog is not carrying disease or suffering from health-related behavior issues
• Being aware of a dog’s history of previous attacks but failing to take steps to prevent another one

Despite what you may have heard, the dog breed is not a significant factor in whether a dog is likely to attack. There is a lot of misinformation out there about breeds that are inherently dangerous or more aggressive than others, but statistics don’t support these claims. The more important factors are owner behavior, proper socialization with humans, and proper containment efforts.

Contact an Attorney to Discuss Your Dog Bite Injury

If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, disfigurement, and emotional trauma. Even if you don’t want to file a lawsuit, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you negotiate with insurance companies on a fair claim payout. To learn more about how our firm can help you, call an attorney from Saavedra Law Firm, PLC today to schedule an initial consultation. 

FAQs About Arizona Dog Bites

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