Arizona is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites someone who was in a public place or lawfully on private property — regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression before and regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You don't have to prove negligence. The bite establishes liability.
What strict liability means in practice
In most personal injury cases, you have to show the defendant acted carelessly. Dog bite cases in Arizona remove that requirement entirely. If the bite happened while you were somewhere you had a legal right to be — a public park, a neighbor's yard after being invited, a delivery route — the analysis is straightforward. The owner's insurance is the next question.
Defenses owners and insurers raise
Provocation — arguing the victim hit, startled, or taunted the dog — and trespassing are the primary defenses. Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) means even if you were partly responsible, your damages are reduced proportionally rather than eliminated. Insurers will use these arguments aggressively to minimize settlements. Don't accept an offer or sign a release before speaking with an attorney. See our post on Arizona comparative negligence law.
What a dog bite claim can recover
Medical expenses including emergency care, wound treatment, surgery, and follow-up, future costs for reconstructive procedures, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring or disfigurement are all recoverable. Claims involving children frequently include significant psychological damages from the trauma of the attack.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years from the date of the bite (A.R.S. § 12-542). See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations.
Our dog bite attorneys handle claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.