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Many people wonder if a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign protects you if a dog attacks. The short answer is ‘no.’
According to Phoenix dog bite lawyers, a warning sign does not absolve a dog owner of liability. In Arizona, strict liability laws hold dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if a sign is posted. This means victims may still be entitled to dog attack compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, and other damages resulting from the bite.
If you’ve been bitten, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, document your injuries, and contact experienced legal counsel. Understanding how signage affects liability can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
‘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 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.
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.
Step | Action | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
1 | Seek Immediate Medical Attention | Even minor-looking bites can lead to infection or hidden injuries. |
2 | Document the Incident | Take photos of injuries, the dog, the property, and the sign. Gather witness statements. |
3 | Preserve Evidence | Keep torn clothing, blood samples, or any items involved in the bite. |
4 | Contact Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers | Experienced attorneys can explain your rights and help pursue dog attack compensation. |
5 | File a Dog Bite Claim Promptly | Arizona law sets strict timelines; early filing protects your ability to recover damages. |
6 | Avoid Posting About the Incident Online | Social media posts can be used against you in settlement negotiations. |
7 | Follow Legal and Medical Advice | Your attorney and healthcare providers guide recovery and strengthen your case. |
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.
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!
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