Bitten In Arizona?

A dog bite can be a traumatic, life-altering event, especially for children who are most often the victims. Many states follow a “one-bite rule,” where owners are only liable if the dog has a known history of aggression. However, Arizona provides much stronger protections for victims through strict liability laws. Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.

This strict liability standard means you do not have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. As long as you did not provoke the dog and were not trespassing, the owner is responsible for the injury. This legal framework is designed to expedite help for victims facing high medical costs for stitches, infections, or even reconstructive surgery.

It is critical to act quickly, as Arizona has a specific one-year statute of limitations for strict liability dog bite claims. While you can sometimes file a general negligence claim up to two years later, it carries a much higher burden of proof and is harder to win. Consulting a lawyer immediately ensures you meet this tight deadline and preserves your right to full restitution for both physical and emotional scars.