Legal Question in Personal Injury in Arizona

My son was bitten in the face by a dog. The dog belongs to my friends boyfriend. The incident happened in his home. My "friend" gave my kids treats to give to the dog and it reached up and bit my sons lip right off his face. I am not sure if the owner of the dog is renting or owns, but I think they may be renting. My son had to go to the emergency room, was admitted into a children's hospital, and had to have emergency plastic surgery. I am now receiving the medical bills after our health insurance paid 90% of everything. Of the bills that I have received so far, the amount that the health insurance did not cover is under $2,000. My friend and her boyfriend have not offered to help with payment of the bills at all. I let her know that I was starting to receive the bills and that I am unable to pay them because I am unemployed at the moment. I have not heard from her since. Is she and her boyfriend responsible in any way for payment of the remaining balances due to the hospital, doctor, etc? What is the best way of letting them know if they are and getting them to at least help with the bills?


Asked on 9/07/12, 6:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Leigh Anne Timiney Dyer & Ferris

In Arizona, dog owners are held strictly liable for any injuries or damage their dogs cause. As such, the owner of the dog is liable for your son's medical care. Technically, if you were to bring a formal lawsuit against him, he would be responsible for all of your son's medical bills, whether or not insurance covered some or all of those bills. Additionally, your son is likely going to have a scar as a result of the bite. The dog owner can also be held responsible for this permanent damage as well as pain and suffering your son has endured. This could be quite costly for the dog owner. I would strongly suggest you contact a lawyer in your area who handles dog bit cases and seek a consultation. This way you can get a fully informed answer as to what your options are with respect to his incident.

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Answered on 9/08/12, 9:36 pm


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