Whats the difference between “strict liability” and the “one free bite” rule?
Different states have different liability laws on the books. Some states, including Arizona, hold owners to a standard known as “strict liability” if a lawsuit is brought within one year of the day of the attack That is, if a dog commits an attack or aggressive action that causes harm to another person, the owner can be immediately held liable. Other states have what are known as “one free bite” laws. In these states, if a dog bites, the owner can be held harmless for this first offense. In so-called “mixed statute” states, aspects of both strict liability and one free bite rules come into play. Arizona strict liability standard of the lawsuit is brought within a year from the date of the dog attack. However, if the claim is brought more than one year, but less than two years, from the date of the dog attack in Arizona, then the owner must prove that the dog owner knew, or should have known, the dog had dangerous propensities. This may require proving the dog had bitten someone before,
Different states have different liability laws for dog owners. Some states are lenient, others stringent. Some have crafted a hybrid of the rigorous and the moderate. Some states have even outlawed particular dog breeds altogether. Arizona holds owners to a standard known as strict liability. This means that if a lawsuit is brought within one year of a dog attack or aggressive action that causes harm to another person, the owner can be held liable immediately. (The statute of limitations is technically two years, but the law is structured to discourage juries from granting awards if the case is not brought until the second year.) Other states have what are known as “one free bite” laws. In these states, when a dog bites the owner is not held responsible for the first offense. The owner gets a free pass even if he or she is aware the dog is a potential danger. In so-called “mixed statute” states, aspects of both strict liability and one free bite rules come into play. Arizonas strict li
