A dog bite can happen in seconds and leave lasting damage — deep puncture wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, and emotional trauma. Children are especially vulnerable, often suffering bites to the face and head.
Arizona has one of the strongest dog-bite laws in the country. Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries — you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. There is no “one free bite” rule in Arizona.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Phoenix, Leon Law, PLLC is here to help. Attorney Jose M. Leon has 14+ years of experience fighting for injured people across Maricopa County. We handle dog bite claims on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
Call (480) 269-1083 or request a free case review now.
A.R.S. § 11-1025
The owner of a dog — or the person responsible for the dog’s care — is liable for damages suffered by any person who is bitten while in a public place or lawfully on private property (including the dog owner’s property).
This is a strict liability statute. You do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression, that the owner was negligent, or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. As long as you were lawfully present and did not provoke the animal, the owner is responsible.
While the dog’s owner bears primary liability, other parties may also share responsibility:
A landlord who knows a tenant’s dog is dangerous and fails to act may face liability under premises liability law.
Anyone entrusted with care and control of a dog can be held responsible under A.R.S. § 11-1025.
If a dog bites someone on commercial property, the business may be liable under premises liability theories.
Parents may be responsible for injuries caused by a minor child’s dog.
Dog bites can cause far more damage than many people realize:
⚠ Highest Risk Group: Children Ages 5–9
Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are the most frequent victims of dog bites. Their small size puts their face, head, and neck at the height of a dog’s mouth, making facial and head injuries far more common than in adults. Children also may not recognize the warning signs of an aggressive dog.
Injuries to a child’s face can require multiple reconstructive surgeries over the course of their growth. If your child was bitten by a dog in Phoenix, the responsible party’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy typically covers the claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can pursue compensation for medical treatment, future surgeries, scarring, and emotional distress.
Under Arizona law, a dog bite victim may pursue compensation for:
For child victims, compensation also accounts for the long-term impact of scarring on self-esteem and future medical needs as the child grows.
The time you have to file a dog bite claim in Arizona depends on the legal theory you pursue. The one-year strict liability deadline is shorter than most people expect — do not delay.
| Legal Theory | Statute | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict Liability | A.R.S. § 11-1025 / § 12-541 | 1 year from date of bite | Shorter than standard personal injury — act immediately |
| Negligence Theory | A.R.S. § 12-542 | 2 years from date of bite | Can be pursued alongside strict liability |
| Minor Children | A.R.S. § 12-502 | May be tolled until age 18 | Always best to act promptly regardless |
| Government Property | A.R.S. § 12-821.01 | 180 days — notice of claim | Strict government claim deadline — cannot be missed |
Arizona law provides one key defense to dog owners: provocation (A.R.S. § 11-1027). If the dog owner can prove that the victim provoked the attack, the owner may not be liable.
Provocation Defense — A.R.S. § 11-1027
The legal standard is whether a reasonable person would expect the conduct to be likely to provoke a dog. Insurance companies raise this defense aggressively — especially against children. Leon Law knows how to counter it.
✗ Qualifies as Provocation
✓ Does NOT Qualify as Provocation
Under Arizona law, a dog bite victim may pursue compensation for:
For child victims, compensation also accounts for the long-term impact of scarring on self-esteem and future medical needs as the child grows.
Q: Do I need to prove the dog has bitten someone before to win my case?
A: No. Arizona’s strict liability statute (A.R.S. § 11-1025) holds dog owners liable regardless of whether the dog has any history of aggression. There is no “one free bite” rule.
Q: What if I was bitten on the dog owner’s property?
A: You are protected under A.R.S. § 11-1025 as long as you were lawfully on the property — for example, as an invited guest, mail carrier, delivery person, or service provider. Trespassers may not be covered.
Q: How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Arizona?
A: Under strict liability (A.R.S. § 11-1025), you have one year from the date of the bite (A.R.S. § 12-541). Under a negligence theory, the deadline is two years (A.R.S. § 12-542). Act quickly — the one-year deadline can pass faster than you expect.
Q: Can the dog owner avoid liability by claiming I provoked the dog?
A: Provocation is a defense under A.R.S. § 11-1027, but the standard is high. The owner must prove that a reasonable person would expect the victim’s conduct to provoke a dog. Normal interactions like petting or walking near a dog do not qualify.
Q: Will the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance cover my claim?
A: In most cases, yes. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies typically include liability coverage for dog bites. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or have coverage limits. Your attorney can investigate the available coverage.
Q: What compensation can I receive for a child’s dog bite injury?
A: Compensation for a child victim may include medical expenses, reconstructive surgery, future surgical needs as the child grows, emotional distress, counseling, and the long-term impact of scarring and disfigurement.
A dog bite is not something you should have to pay for on your own — physically, emotionally, or financially. Arizona law is on your side. Leon Law, PLLC will hold the responsible party accountable and fight for every dollar you deserve. Call (480) 269-1083 or fill out our free case review form today. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win.
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