Dog bites frequently cause permanent scarring, especially on the face, hands, and arms — the areas most exposed during an attack. Arizona law treats scarring as a serious element of damages, and under the state's strict liability statute, you don't have to prove the owner was negligent to establish their responsibility.
Strict liability means you don't need to show prior aggression
Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, a dog owner is liable for a bite that occurs in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property — regardless of the dog's history. No prior bites, no knowledge of dangerous tendencies required. That strict liability foundation makes Arizona one of the strongest states for bite victims pursuing compensation for scarring and disfigurement.
How scarring damages are valued
Arizona law allows recovery for the full impact of permanent scarring: the cost of reconstructive surgery and future revision procedures, pain and suffering from the injury and the recovery process, emotional distress — which in scarring cases often includes significant psychological harm from altered appearance — and disfigurement as a separate category of non-economic damages. For facial scarring on children, courts and juries consistently award substantial amounts because of the lifetime impact.
The severity and permanence of scarring, its location on the body, the victim's age, and the quality of medical documentation all affect the final valuation. Expert medical testimony from a plastic surgeon about the nature of the scarring, available treatment options, and prognosis is often part of building the full claim.
Homeowner's insurance typically covers these claims
Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's liability insurance. Policy limits vary, and in cases involving severe disfigurement, the claim may exceed those limits. Identifying all available coverage — including umbrella policies — is part of pursuing full compensation.
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 involving minors.
Our dog bite attorneys handle scar and disfigurement claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.