Proving Knowledge of a Dog's Vicious Propensities

In states that do not have dog bite statutes, an injured person usually must show that the owner knew or had reason to know that his or her animal was predisposed to bite or attack, known as having vicious or dangerous propensities, in order to recover damages from the owner or the owner's insurer.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, contact an attorney at Friedl Richardson in Phoenix, Arizona to determine your rights and potential for obtaining compensation. A personal injury lawyer experienced in dog bite litigation can help you understand your options.

Warning Signs

There are many types of behavior that may indicate an animal has dangerous propensities and put the owner on notice about the possibility of his or her dog injuring someone. The following list describes some of the more common factors that can be used to demonstrate an owner knew or should have known that his or her dog had vicious propensities:

  • Prior attacks on people
  • Prior complaints to the owner about the dog
  • Severity of the attack
  • Unprovoked nature of the attack
  • Dog's tendency to bark or lunge at strangers
  • Dog's tendency to jump on people
  • Dog's purpose as a watch dog or guard dog
  • Warning signs posted by owner
  • Owner verbally warning others about the dog
  • Frequently confining the dog by leash, cage or chain
  • Prior instances of the dog chasing people
  • Muzzling the dog
  • Size of the dog
  • Statements by the owner to others about his dog's character - prior incidents of bad behavior and safety concerns, for example

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. You may have to provide evidence of several factors in order to prove the owner's knowledge of the dog's vicious propensities. An attorney experienced in dog bite cases can review the facts and determine the most appropriate way to prove your case.

Conclusion

In preparing to meet with an attorney regarding a dog bite or attack, consider all of the above factors and speak to people in the community where the animal lives to learn more about the animal’s past, which might help support your case. For more information on the possibilities for your dog bite claim, contact Friedl Richardson in Phoenix, Arizona to arrange a consultation.

 

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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