Animal attacks can cause serious injuries, leading to expensive medical bills, emotional trauma, and even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a pet or wild animal, you may wonder when the owner can be held liable. Animal attack cases fall under different legal rules depending on the situation, the type of animal involved, and where the attack occurs.
In many personal injury cases involving animal attacks, the injured party must prove liability to receive compensation. Understanding how the law applies to dangerous animals and pet owners is key to knowing your legal options.
Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases
In some states, dog bite cases follow a liability rule. This means that if a dog bites someone, the dog’s owner is automatically responsible for injuries, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. Arizona follows strict liability laws, meaning victims don’t have to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. However, there are some exceptions. If the injured person was trespassing or provoked the dog, the owner might not be held liable.
Proving Liability in Other Animal Attack Cases
Not all animal attacks involve dogs. Some personal injury lawyers handle cases where a pet owner’s negligence led to an attack by a different type of animal. If an attack occurs due to an owner’s failure to restrain a dangerous animal, they can be found negligent.
For example:
- A pet snake escapes and bites someone.
- A large bird attacks a visitor inside the owner’s home.
- A wild animal kept as a pet injures a guest.
In these situations, proving negligence means showing that the owner failed in their duty of care to prevent harm.
When Wild Animal Owners Are Accountable
Some people keep exotic or wild animals as pets. These animals often have unpredictable behavior, making them more likely to cause harm. If a person owns a wild animal and it attacks someone, the owner can be held responsible under strict liability in most cases. Unlike domestic pets, wild animals are considered inherently dangerous, so owners must take extra precautions to prevent attacks.
Beware of Dog Signs—Do They Protect Owners?
Many people think putting up a “Beware of Dog” sign protects them from liability if their dog bites someone. However, this is not always the case. While a sign can serve as a warning, it does not always prevent a liability claim if the dog attacks. Courts may still hold the owner responsible, especially if the victim had a legal right to be on the property.
What to Do After an Animal Attack
If you or a loved one has been injured by an animal, take the following steps to protect your rights.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the attack to local authorities.
- Document the injuries with photos and medical records.
- Identify the owner and gather witness statements.
- Consult a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Trust the Experts at Grabb & Durando
Animal attack cases can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Grabb & Durando, our experienced personal injury lawyers understand Arizona’s laws and know how to hold negligent pet owners accountable. Whether you need to file a liability claim or explore compensation for medical bills and lost wages, we’re here to help.
