Dog Bite Laws in Arizona give victims strong protection. Still, many people feel overwhelmed after an attack. You may not know your rights, who pays your medical bills, or what the next steps look like. This guide explains the law in simple terms and walks you through what to expect when you work with our firm.
Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your options. Understanding dog bite laws in Arizona can help you know what to expect from the claims process and what your rights are from day one.
What Dog Bite Laws in Arizona Mean for Victims
Arizona follows a strict liability rule, and dog bite laws in Arizona make it clear that an owner is responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. This means the dog owner is responsible even if the dog has never shown aggression before. You do not need to prove negligence or carelessness.
- The owner is responsible even if it was the first bite.
- You don’t have to show that the owner did something wrong.
- The bite must have happened in a public place or when you were lawfully on private property.
You can read the full law here: Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-1025.
Who Counts as a Dog “Owner” Under Arizona Law?
Arizona uses a broad definition of ownership. More than one person may be responsible for your injuries.
- The dog’s legal owner
- A person caring for or feeding the dog
- A person who has custody or control of the dog at the time of the bite
That means responsibility can extend to dog sitters, houseguests, or anyone supervising the dog.
What Victims Can Recover After a Dog Bite
Dog bites can be serious and may require ongoing medical care. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
Liability When There’s No Actual Bite
Arizona also allows claims for injuries caused by a dog even if it never bites you. This is covered under A.R.S. § 11-1027.
For example, if a dog knocks you down or scratches you and causes injury, the owner may still be liable.
Our Step-by-Step Process: What to Expect When You Call Us
We focus on communication and clarity so you always know what’s happening with your case. Here’s how the process works:
1. Free Case Review
We talk with you about how the bite happened, where you were injured, and what medical treatment you’ve received. This helps us understand your case from the start.
Schedule your free consultation here.
2. Collecting Evidence
We gather everything needed to build a strong claim, including:
- Photos of injuries
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Animal control reports
- Insurance information
Proper documentation also helps us apply dog bite laws in Arizona clearly to your case so we can build the strongest claim possible.
3. Filing the Claim With the Dog Owner’s Insurance
Most dog bite claims are made through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. We communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
4. Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies often try to offer less than what the case is worth. We push for full and fair compensation using the evidence, your medical records, and Arizona’s strict liability laws.
5. Filing a Lawsuit if It’s Needed
Most dog bite cases settle, but if the insurance company refuses to be fair, we can file a lawsuit. You’ll always know what’s happening and what the next steps are.
Part of our case review includes helping you understand how dog bite laws in Arizona apply to your specific situation so you always know what to expect next.
Common Defenses Dog Owners Use
Even with strict liability, owners may try to deny responsibility. Some common defenses include:
- You provoked the dog
- You were trespassing
- The dog was protecting its owner from danger
- You voluntarily accepted the risk (rare)
We look closely at the facts of your case to protect your rights.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If you or a loved one has been bitten, here are the steps to take:
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Report the bite to animal control.
- Take photos of your injuries and the scene.
- Collect witness names and contact information.
- Do not talk to the dog owner’s insurance company.
- Call a personal injury attorney right away.
How Long You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim
Most dog bite cases fall under Arizona’s two-year deadline for personal injury claims. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to recover compensation.
You can learn more in our article on Arizona’s deadlines: Statute of Limitations in Arizona.
Dog Bites Involving Children
Children are often the victims of dog bites. These cases can involve:
- Long-term medical treatment
- Plastic surgery
- Therapy for emotional trauma
- Compensation for scarring
We handle these cases with special care to protect the child’s long-term well-being.
How Our Firm Helps You Move Forward
Dog bites can be traumatic and confusing. Our team is here to guide you, answer your questions, and handle the entire legal process for you.
- We protect your rights from day one.
- We communicate with the insurance company.
- We keep you updated at every step.
- We fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Talk to a Phoenix Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you were bitten by a dog anywhere in the Phoenix metro area, our team is ready to help. We have years of experience handling Dog Bite Laws in Arizona and know how to build strong cases that get results.
