Dog bites are rarely just puncture wounds. A dog's mouth carries a significant bacterial load — Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, Capnocytophaga, and in some cases MRSA. Even a small bite can develop into a serious infection within 24 to 48 hours, and in people with diabetes or compromised immune systems, infections can escalate to sepsis, hospitalization, and surgical debridement. The medical costs are real, and so is the legal liability.
Arizona's strict liability law applies to infection injuries
Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by a bite — regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. You don't have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If you were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred, liability is established. That liability extends to all damages caused by the bite, including the infection and its consequences.
What a dog bite infection claim can recover
Emergency room visits, wound care, oral or IV antibiotics, surgical debridement, hospitalization, follow-up treatment, and any reconstructive care needed as a result of the infection are all recoverable as medical expenses. Lost wages during recovery, pain and suffering, and emotional distress are also part of the claim. If the infection caused permanent damage — nerve damage, scarring, tissue loss — future medical costs and damages for permanent impairment are included.
After a bite, document your treatment
Photograph the bite wound at the time of injury and at intervals as it progresses. Keep all medical records and treatment documentation. Report the bite to local animal control — this creates a public record and may trigger investigation of the dog's history. Get the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance information, as most dog bite claims are paid through those policies. Don't give a recorded statement to the owner's insurer before speaking with an attorney.
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 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.