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When a dog attacks a child, the aftermath can be terrifying — ER visits, surgeries, nightmares, and a child who is suddenly afraid of animals they once loved. If you are searching for information about a child dog bite injury Arizona lawsuit, you are not alone. Dog bites are alarmingly common in our state, and children under the age of 13 are bitten more often — and more severely — than any other age group. Understanding Arizona law can help you protect your child's rights and get your family the compensation you deserve.

Arizona's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Arizona is one of the strongest states in the country for dog bite victims, thanks to A.R.S. § 11-1025. Under this statute, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property — even if the dog has never shown any aggression before and even if the owner had no idea the dog was dangerous. This is called "strict liability," and it is a big deal for families pursuing a child dog bite injury claim.

That means you do not have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of biting. If the dog bit your child, the owner is responsible. The only real defenses available to the owner under Arizona law are that the victim was trespassing or that the victim provoked the animal — two arguments that can be difficult to make stick when the victim is a small child who wandered into a neighbor's yard.

Why Children's Dog Bite Claims Are Different

Children's dog bite cases involve unique legal and medical considerations that set them apart from adult claims. Here is why:

• More severe injuries. Children are smaller, and dogs often bite at face and neck level. Facial lacerations, nerve damage, scarring, and eye injuries are tragically common in child victims.
• Long-term psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and phobias are well-documented outcomes of childhood dog attacks. These non-economic damages — pain and suffering, emotional distress — can be significant in a child's case.
• Future medical costs. A child who needs reconstructive surgery or ongoing therapy may face years of medical expenses. Any settlement must account for future costs, not just current bills.
• Extended statute of limitations. Under Arizona law, the general personal injury statute of limitations is two years (A.R.S. § 12-542). However, when the victim is a minor, the clock typically does not start running until the child turns 18. This gives families important flexibility — but it does not mean you should wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and early legal intervention often leads to better outcomes.

Our Dog Bites practice page explains more about how Arizona law protects bite victims of all ages.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

The dog's owner is the most obvious party, but Arizona law may allow claims against others depending on the facts of your case. Potentially liable parties can include:

• The dog owner (strict liability under A.R.S. § 11-1025)
• A landlord or property manager who knew a dangerous dog was on the premises and failed to act
• A dog sitter, kennel, or other person who had custody or control of the animal at the time of the attack
• A homeowner's association that failed to enforce pet policies after receiving complaints

Identifying every responsible party matters because it can affect how much compensation your family is ultimately able to recover. Our personal injury lawyers routinely investigate all potential sources of liability to make sure nothing is left on the table.

What Damages Can a Child Dog Bite Lawsuit Recover?

Arizona law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation for a wide range of losses. In a child's case, recoverable damages typically include:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Reconstructive and plastic surgery costs
• Future medical treatment, including anticipated surgeries or therapy
• Psychological counseling and mental health treatment
• Pain and suffering — both the child's and, in some cases, the parents' loss of the child's companionship
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Lost future earning capacity if injuries are severe

For a deeper dive into how compensation is calculated, see our blog post Arizona Dog Bite Compensation: How Much Can You Get?

Court Approval for Minor Settlements in Arizona

One important procedural point that many families do not know: in Arizona, any settlement involving a minor's personal injury claim that exceeds a certain threshold must be approved by a court. This is a protection designed to ensure the settlement is fair and that the funds are preserved for the child's benefit — not simply handed over to the insurance company at a discounted price. An experienced attorney will handle this process for you, but it is worth knowing upfront so there are no surprises.

What to Do After a Dog Bites Your Child

The steps you take in the hours and days following an attack can significantly impact your child's legal claim. Here is what we recommend:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites carry serious infection risk. Document every injury with photos before wounds are cleaned or bandaged if it is safe to do so.
• Report the bite. File a report with your local animal control authority. In Maricopa County, contact Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. This creates an official record and may reveal prior bite history.
• Get the owner's information. Name, address, phone number, and homeowner's or renter's insurance details if possible.
• Identify witnesses. Neighbor names, anyone who saw the attack, or anyone who can speak to the dog's prior behavior.
• Do not give recorded statements to the insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
• Contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible. Early investigation preserves evidence and strengthens your case.

Talk to an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney — Free Consultation

A child dog bite injury Arizona lawsuit is one of the most emotionally charged cases we handle, and we take them seriously. At Sher Law Group PLLC, our Phoenix and Scottsdale attorneys have experience fighting for injured children and their families against dog owners and their insurance companies. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Call us today at 480-418-7437 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your child's recovery comes first, and so does their future.