Phoenix dog bite attorneys

Arizona is a strict-liability state for dog bites. Big Dog Law represents Phoenix dog-bite victims — the owner is responsible whether or not the dog ever bit anyone before.

Arizona is one of the most plaintiff-friendly dog-bite jurisdictions in the country. Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for bite injuries to any person lawfully on public or private property. There is no “one free bite” rule. The owner does not get to argue the dog had never bitten before. In Phoenix, the practical question is usually about coverage and the medical record — not about liability.

Arizona dog-bite basics

Strict liability under A.R.S. § 11-1025 — the owner is responsible regardless of prior conduct.
1-year statute of limitations under the strict-liability statute. Negligence theory is 2 years.
Most claims are paid through the owner's homeowners or renters insurance.
Children are the most common victims of serious bites and the most common claimants.

Why Phoenix dog-bite cases happen the way they do

Dense suburban living

Phoenix has high single-family-home density and yards that often share fence lines, increasing exposure.
Outdoor lifestyle

Year-round walking, jogging, and biking culture means more interactions with off-leash and inadequately controlled dogs.
Apartment and condo communities

Common-area incidents in apartment complexes raise questions about both owner liability and property-management responsibility.
Children at risk

Most serious bites involve children — both because of bite-zone height and because dogs respond differently to small, fast-moving people.

Common Phoenix dog-bite injuries

Facial lacerations and scarring

Especially in pediatric victims. Plastic-surgery and revision costs are real and recoverable.
Hand and arm injuries

Defensive wounds — often involving tendon and nerve damage requiring specialty care.
Infections

Dog mouths carry significant bacterial load. Infection complications can extend recovery dramatically.
Psychological trauma

PTSD, fear of dogs, and ongoing anxiety — particularly in children and in repeat-attack scenarios.

What recovery looks like

Past and future medical care

Including ER, follow-up wound care, plastic surgery, and revision procedures.
Lost income

Time off work for treatment and recovery — including parents missing work to care for an injured child.
Scarring and disfigurement

A specifically recognized component of damages in Arizona dog-bite cases.
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

Including ongoing fear and trauma response, particularly in children.

Bitten by a dog in Phoenix?

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Phoenix, AZ

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