Arizona Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
Dog attacks are traumatic and often confusing situations, especially if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or relative. You may be unsure of your next steps for pursuing compensation.
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers understands the position you’re in and is here to help you take the next step toward healing and justice. With our 99 percent success rate and Net Recovery Guarantee, you can trust us to take on your case without any financial risks on your part. Call our Arizona dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation.
$50+ Million Recovered
Content Reviewed By: Derick Runion
Table of Contents
- What To Know About Arizona’s Dog Bite Laws
- Steps To Take After a Dog Bite in Arizona
- Dog Bite Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects
- Can You Still File a Lawsuit if You Know the Owner?
- Choosing Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
- Reach Out to an Arizona Dog Bite Lawyer Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
What To Know About Arizona’s Dog Bite Laws
Arizona has strict liability laws regarding dog bites, and victims often have legal options, even if the bite occurred on private property or involved a familiar dog.
Strict Liability for Arizona Dog Bites
Arizona follows a strict liability standard for dog bites under A.R.S. § 11-1025. This means that an owner is legally responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before or whether the owner was aware of the dog’s potential to cause harm. This applies to bites that happen on public and private property. However, the bite victim must have been lawfully on the property; trespassers may not be covered.
Holding the Owner of a Dog Liable
If a dog bites someone, the owner is automatically responsible in the state of Arizona, even if the dog has never bitten before or the owner didn’t know their pet could be dangerous. That said, the owner is not responsible for the harm their dog causes to trespassers. Similarly, if the injured person provoked the dog, the owner might not be liable.
Misunderstandings About the One Free Bite Law
Some states follow a common “one free bite” law, stating that a dog owner may not be liable if it’s the first time their dog bites someone. Arizona doesn’t follow this rule, and strict liability can hold a dog owner responsible for a bite even if it’s the first time the dog has acted aggressively.
Steps To Take After a Dog Bite in Arizona
You can take practical steps after a dog bite to protect your health and legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention and Report the Incident
You never want to minimize a dog attack. It’s essential to seek medical attention and report the incident to the relevant authorities.
Document Injuries and Collect Witness Information
By reporting the attack and taking photos of your injuries, you can better document the incident to prove a viable claim later on. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information.
Don’t Speak to Insurance Alone
Attempting to speak or negotiate with insurers on your own can result in a smaller payout or a reversal of liability. Insurance companies may use your words against you to minimize fault and even push responsibility onto you.
Schedule a free consultation with our dog bite accident attorneys in Arizona today. Early legal guidance can protect evidence and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Dog Bite Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects
Dog bite injuries can have serious repercussions, even if the initial harm appears minor. These injuries heighten the risk of infection, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma, especially for children.
Puncture Wounds, Infections, and Scarring
Dog bites and scratches can lead to puncture wounds, infections, and scarring. Because of this, it’s essential to have your injuries assessed by a healthcare professional who can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Nerve Damage and Mobility Issues
In cases of severe animal attacks, you could experience damage to your nerve endings and mobility issues. Pursuing compensation for these major types of injuries could provide financial relief to cover medical costs and assistive equipment.
Emotional Trauma, Especially in Children
A dog attack can cause much more than just physical harm; it can mentally and emotionally scar you. This is especially true in cases involving young children who may develop a lifelong fear of canines.
Each day, nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens require emergency care treatment for serious dog bite injuries. Annually, about 12,480 citizens are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries.
Can You Still File a Lawsuit if You Know the Owner?
Many victims hesitate to take legal action if the dog’s owner is a friend, neighbor, or relative. However, most claims are typically handled through insurance, rather than personal assets. You have the right to heal without guilt or financial stress.
Homeowners or Renters Insurance in Dog Bite Cases
In most cases, standard homeowners or renters insurance policies include personal liability coverage for injuries resulting from dog bites. This means that, if someone’s dog bites you, their insurance may cover damages like medical bills and lost wages up to policy limits.
Why Owners Shouldn’t Take a Dog Bite Case Personally
It’s understandable to worry about the personal implications of suing a dog owner. However, a dog bite lawsuit is not about getting revenge; it’s about recovering from your injuries. You deserve to be compensated for the financial and emotional losses you’ve experienced from something as traumatic as an animal attack.
Maintaining Relationships While Filing a Claim
It’s important to remember that most dog bite claims are paid by insurance, not out-of-pocket by the owner. You’re filing a claim with their insurance, which is why they have it, to protect both them and you.
Choosing Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
Our seasoned attorneys are the right partners for dog bite victims in Arizona. We have local roots, a client-first culture, and insurance negotiation experience.
“We have really done every type of case. And as a result, we know the experts that we need to retain in nearly every type of case when there’s an injury involved.”
Derick Runion
Arizona-Based, Client-Focused Representation
Our team is based in the Valley and has a deep understanding of local courts, insurers, and laws. We boast a client-first culture, meaning we always put you and your family at the forefront of the case; you’re not just another number to us.
99% Success Rate and 50+ Million Recovered
Our rate of success and the millions recovered on behalf of injury victims highlight our commitment to delivering justice.
Derick Runion: From Insurance Expert to Advocate
Our founder, Derick Runion, formerly worked in the insurance industry and understands how these entities function.
For more information, schedule a complimentary consultation today. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish, and our Net Recovery Guarantee. Review some of our case results below:
$525,000
- Personal Injury
Our clients were the surviving parents of a 7-month-old baby that passed away in an apartment fire. The apartment paid $525,000.00 to settle the matter and avoid going to trial.
Our case results are a solid reflection of our hard work, but don’t just take our word for it; learn what our testimonials have to say about client experiences with us.
I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the incredible support and expertise I received from Runion Personal Injury Lawyers after my accident. From the very first consultation, the team made me feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. They took care of everything, from dealing with the insurance companies to ensuring I received the compensation I deserved. The staff was always responsive, professional, and genuinely caring throughout the entire process. I never felt alone, and they made a challenging situation much easier to handle. If you’re looking for a reliable and compassionate team to help with a personal injury case, I highly recommend everyone at Runion. They truly went above and beyond for me!
Jennifer P.
One of the best experiences I’ve had to date dealing with a personal injury firm. The team at Runion offers an immense amount of help, and Derick is nothing short of a pro. If you have any personal injury needs, there’s only one choice: Runion Personal Injury.
Robert B.
Reach Out to an Arizona Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If another person’s dog has injured you or your loved one, don’t hesitate to seek legal justice today. Help is available, and you take zero risks by reaching out to our compassionate team. Our firm’s track record and “no fee unless you win” policy guarantee financial security. Contact our Arizona dog bite accident lawyers today.
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(602) 825-3502
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
What to Do if You're Bitten While Visiting Someone's Home
If you’re bitten while in someone’s private house, you should document the injuries, seek medical attention, and file a report.
Can I Sue if the Dog Was Not on a Leash?
In Arizona, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, whether the animal was on a leash or not. You don’t have to prove the owner was negligent, just that the bite happened.
What Is the Typical Settlement Amount for a Dog Bite Case in Arizona?
Many dog bite claims in Arizona settle anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000. Still, more severe cases can reach six figures or higher, especially if there’s permanent scarring, nerve damage, disfigurement, or psychological trauma.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Claim?
In Arizona, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a negligence claim. However, if you’re pursuing a strict liability claim under A.R.S. § 12-541, you must file within one year.
Can I File a Claim if a Service or Emotional Support Dog Bit Me?
Due to Arizona’s strict liability laws, it doesn’t matter if the dog was a service or emotional support animal; the owner is still legally responsible for the bite. There’s no special immunity for service animals under Arizona dog bite law.
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Case Results
Over $50 Million recovered
$1,250,000
- Car Accident
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers filed suit against a company whose superintendent collided with our client’s vehicle necessitating neck and back surgery. Our firm obtained policy limits in the amount of $1.25 million from the company and its superintendent.
$600,000
- Car Accident
Our client was involved in a serious collision while driving her vehicle, resulting in head trauma and other injuries. Runion Personal Injury Lawyers presented scientific evidence to link her aneurysm to the automobile collision and obtained a $600,000.00 settlement for the client.
What Our Clients Say
After my car accident I was knee deep in medical bills and insurance claim paperwork. Runion personal injury lawyer has some of the best lawyers for car accidents. They worked professionally and in a timely matter to make all the paperwork and process for the injury claim to go a lot faster. Didn’t have to fight the insurance to deal with this rear end accident. I love how quickly they got me a great settlement and always kept in touch with me and kept me up to date on everything. I thought I was going to be at a complete lost but thanks to some of the best lawyers especially in New Mexico they got me a great settlement when the insurance was make it a hassle. Definitely if you need a lawyer in New Mexico go with Runion personal lawyer.
Tay
Hands down, these guys are the best! I was in a car accident, I got rear-ended. The staff and attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers took great care of me. They handled EVERYTHING from medical bills to fighting with the other guys insurance company who tried to claim their client wasn’t at fault. Aside from taking care of the medical bills, the settlement they got me was very good. I have been recommending Runion to everyone because I think they are the best accident attorneys around.
Dan C.
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