A bite that requires stitches is never minor. Canine teeth penetrate deeply, tear soft tissue, and introduce bacteria that can complicate healing. When the wound heals with scarring, particularly on the face, hands, or arms, the damage is permanent. Arizona law treats this seriously, and the owner is strictly liable for the full consequences.
Strict liability covers your full losses
Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, a dog owner is liable for a bite that occurs in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog's history. You don't need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. The bite establishes liability. That strict liability extends to every damage the bite caused, including the stitches, follow-up care, any infection that developed, and the permanent scarring that resulted.
What a stitches and scarring claim can recover
Emergency treatment, wound closure, follow-up care, scar revision procedures, and any reconstructive surgery are all recoverable as medical expenses. Future costs for additional procedures as scars mature are included. Beyond medical bills, your claim can recover lost wages, pain and suffering, and the emotional distress of dealing with a permanent change to your appearance, particularly significant for facial scarring. Disfigurement is treated as a separate category of non-economic damage in Arizona, and juries take it seriously.
Homeowner's insurance covers most dog bite claims
Most claims are paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's liability insurance. Get the owner's insurance information at the scene. Report the bite to animal control, this creates a record and may reveal whether the dog had prior incidents. Don't give a recorded statement to the owner's insurer before speaking with an attorney. Even a low opening offer can feel significant when you're dealing with medical bills, but it rarely reflects the full value of a permanent scarring claim.
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 claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.