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Dog Bite, Personal InjuryMarch 11, 20260 comments

Is it worth suing for a dog bite?

Were you bitten by a dog in Arizona? Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, Arizona is a strict liability state for dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of a dog’s prior behavior. This is in contrast to other states. In Arizona, you don’t have to prove a dog was vicious before the bite.

But who and how do you sue if you were bitten by a dog? Who does a dog bite lawyer in Arizona sue on your behalf?

In most cases, a lawsuit is handled by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. Let’s explore how Arizona’s dog bite law works and what you need to know about it before you sue.

Arizona’s Strict Liability Laws Explained

Arizona does not have a ‘one-free-bite’ rule. Instead, the state has a strict liability law that holds dog owners responsible for their dog’s very first bite.

However, strict liability under A.R.S. § 11-1025 only applies to victims who are either in a public place or lawfully on private property.

For example, if you are a delivery driver dropping off a package to a home in Ocotillo and get bitten by a dog, or if you are a guest invited to a backyard BBQ in South Chandler and sustain a bite, the owner is liable.

What Is Considered A Dog Bite Under A.R.S. § 11-1025?

Strict liability under Arizona law requires that for an owner to be held liable for a dog bite, the dog’s teeth must make contact with the skin.

Another area to consider is that homeowners can claim that you provoked their dog, leading to the bite. However, petting or walking by a dog’s food bowl are examples that would not fall under provocation under Arizona law.

Calculating the “Worth” of Your Case

Tangible Costs—Medical Bills and Lost Wages

In Chandler, even a simple visit to the emergency room can lead to financial shock.

For example, initial treatment at a facility like Dignity Health—Chandler Regional Medical Center can range from $3,500 to $8,000 just for wound cleaning and stitches.

Other medical expenses could include:

• Infection prevention—if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown, rabies protocols or IV antibiotics can add thousands to the bill.
• Lost wages—This isn’t just missing a single day of work. If you work with your hands, you can suffer nerve damage and could be out of work for weeks.

Intangible Costs—Pain, Suffering, and PTSD

An Arizona dog bite lawyer also recommends calculating the intangible costs of a dog bite. Obviously, there is no receipt for pain, suffering, or ongoing PTSD, which causes many insurance companies to overlook it. That doesn’t mean you can’t seek compensation for it in certain circumstances.

If you hire a lawyer, they’ll determine the damages associated with things like pain and suffering depending on the facts and circumstances of your case in order to account for the emotional toll.

For children or even adults who struggle with a phobia of dogs after a dog bite, counseling could be required. Professional Counseling at a place like the East Valley could cost upwards of $250 per session.

Let’s face it, no one deserves to spend the rest of their lives looking over their shoulders every time they walk through their neighborhood. Compensation is reasonable for the lifelong suffering of that level.

Long-Term Fallout Including Scarring and Reconstructive Surgery

If a dog bite leads to scarring and reconstructive surgery, it could be the most significant part of your claim.

Plastic surgeon’s fee for a simple scar revision can start at $3,500, without the costs associated with facility fees. However, complex facial reconstruction can easily exceed $10,000-$50,000. Insurance companies want to settle now, but scars can take 12 months to “mature.”

Most lawyers recommend you have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine the future cost of repairs before settling your lawsuit.

Any dog bite case you take up in Arizona should factor in all aspects of compensation, from plastic surgery to psychological therapy. A dog bite injury lawyer can help determine what to pursue in your case.

Why Time is Not on Your Side in Arizona

There is an Arizona dog bite statute of limitations. If you are bitten by a dog, there are two specific timelines to keep in mind.:

The 1-Year Statute of Limitations for Statutory Claims

In Arizona, you actually have two different “clocks” running at the same time. One is better than the other. Here’s how it breaks down.

The Strict Liability Clock (1 Year)

Under A.R.S. § 12-541, any liability created by statute, which includes Arizona’s famous strict liability for dog bites, must be filed within one year.

The Negligence Clock (2 Years)

You have two years to sue for negligence under Arizona law. However, the burden of proof is higher under this law. You are required to prove the owner was negligent or previously knew the dog was vicious.

Important: if you miss the one-year deadline, your case is going to be much more difficult to win. You effectively go from a slam dunk case to a significant uphill climb to win. So, don’t wait to take action on your dog bite case.

Steps to Take to Protect Your Right to Compensation

These steps are the first place to start your case and protect your right to compensation in a dog bite case.

• Call Maricopa County Animal Care & Control to report the bite
• Take Photos—Photograph the wounds before they’re bandaged and treated
• Identify any footage of the incident via neighbor ring cameras or eyewitnesses
• Save and don’t wash the clothing you were in when the incident occurred
• Speak with a dog bite lawyer in Arizona before signing any settlement agreement
• Create a medical paperwork trail by seeing a doctor
• Don’t give a recorded statement alone

Getting the Peace of Mind You Deserve

Getting bit by a dog is a terrifying, medically significant event. Compensation for the attack isn’t just about money. It’s about ensuring justice for you as a victim. You shouldn’t be burdened by the debt from an accident you weren’t responsible for.

Speak with an Experienced Arizona Dog Bite Attorney Today

Reach out to us for a free, no-obligation case review.

If we don’t win, you won’t pay a fee. Give us a call today at 602-952-9937.