Arizona doesn't require dog bite victims to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, if a dog bites someone who was in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable — period. No prior history of aggression required. No proof of negligence needed.
What the statute says
A.R.S. § 11-1025 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites that occur in public spaces or while the victim was lawfully on private property, including the owner's own property. The law applies to any dog of any breed. An owner cannot avoid liability by arguing the dog had a clean record or that they took precautions. The bite itself, combined with the victim's lawful presence, is sufficient.
The statute covers bites specifically. Other dog-related injuries — being knocked down, for instance — can still be pursued under general negligence theories, but the strict liability protection applies to biting incidents.
Who qualifies as an "owner"
A.R.S. § 11-1012 defines "owner" broadly to include any person harboring or keeping a dog, not just the registered owner. A landlord who knowingly allows a dangerous dog on the premises, a housesitter caring for the animal, or a family member who has taken it in may all share liability. Identifying every potentially responsible party is part of building a complete claim.
Defenses that can reduce your recovery
Strict liability doesn't mean unlimited recovery. Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) allows an owner to argue provocation — that the victim hit, teased, or taunted the dog — or that the victim was trespassing. If some fault is assigned to you, your damages are reduced proportionally but not eliminated. Insurers are skilled at inflating your share of fault to minimize payouts. See our post on Arizona comparative negligence law.
What a dog bite claim can recover
Medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, wound treatment, and reconstructive procedures, future treatment costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring or disfigurement are all recoverable. In cases involving children, psychological trauma from the attack — including PTSD — is often a significant part of the damages.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years from the date of the bite (A.R.S. § 12-542). Evidence fades and witnesses become harder to locate as time passes, so acting early matters beyond just preserving your legal rights. See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations for exceptions.
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.