Are ‘Beware of Dog’ Signs a Good Idea?

Some dogs are trained to protect a property or person, while other dogs are aggressive toward people they don’t know. The owners of these dogs sometimes hang signs on their property to warn visitors and pedestrians about the presence of a dog that might bite. 

Phoenix dog bite lawyers will tell you that a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign does not mean the owner of the dog is automatically off the hook if their dog attacks you, and it may even be an admission that they know their dog is dangerous, making them liable for all or part of the injuries their dog causes.

Why Would Someone Hang a Sign?

‘Beware of Dog’ signs are hung for many reasons. Sometimes, a property owner will hang one up as a warning to protect their property and keep trespassers away, even if they don’t have a dog. This is similar to people who put fake alarm system signs on their doors or lawns.

Other times, the dog is truly aggressive towards strangers. The owner may think the sign protects them from a lawsuit if the dog attacks someone, but this is not necessarily the case.

Arizona Law Is on the Side of the Victim

Arizona has strict liability laws for dog bites. This means that an owner can be held liable for a dog bite victim’s medical expenses and damages, even if they weren’t negligent or reckless in how they were handling the dog. If someone’s dog bites you, it doesn’t matter what you were doing–you were bit.

Arizona 11-1025(A) statute is very clear. It says, “The owner of a dog which bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.”

So, you probably still have a claim, even if there is a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign posted at the location where you were attacked or bitten.

Factors That Can Influence a Dog Bite Claim

As clear as the law sounds, how much liability a dog owner has for an injury can depend on the circumstances. For example, if the person bitten had a lawful reason to be on the property (e.g., FedEx delivery man), there’s no excuse for the dog attacking them. 

If the person bitten was a criminal who broke into a home or was physically assaulting the owner, that’s a different story. The dog may have been trying to protect its owner. Intruders have few rights to safety when they’re on another person’s property without permission.

Dogs Are Not Always Man’s Best Friend

Despite being by man’s side for so long, dogs are still animals–and animals can be unpredictable. It is always the owner’s responsibility to control their dog so it doesn’t attack someone who comes to their property. 

It is also the owner’s responsibility to follow all leash and dog fence laws. They must also ensure their dog does not leave the property and roam freely, potentially putting others in danger. 

While an owner can still be held accountable for their dog’s actions and any injuries it might cause, it’s important for you to be respectful. If you’re entering a property with a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, be aware of the dog’s body language and where it is at all times. 

What to Do When Injured by a Dog

First and foremost, get immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Then, call Gage Mathers.

Gage Mathers has an experienced team of lawyers who will give your case the utmost attention and know how to negotiate a dog bite settlement on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery. Call us today for your free consultation!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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