According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 468 Americans died from dog bites from 2011 to 2021. That averages to 43 deaths per year. Arizona is a strict liability state for dog bites under ARS § 11-1025. Owners are responsible, regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous. A Phoenix dog bite lawyer applies this framework to recover compensation.
How Arizona’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law Works
Under ARS § 11-1025, Arizona’s dog bite statute makes owners responsible for nearly every bite on lawful visitors.
A dog owner is responsible when their dog bites someone in a public place or on private property. The injured person must not be trespassing. The owner’s knowledge of prior behavior doesn’t matter.
Strict liability applies only when the victim was lawfully on the property. This includes guests, mail carriers, delivery workers, and repair workers. Public property could be a park or a sidewalk. Trespassers do not get strict liability protection.
There is one common defense. Under ARS § 11-1027, an owner can escape liability if they prove the victim provoked the dog. While provocation isn’t easy to establish, it’s often in contested cases. However, children’s actions are often viewed differently than adults’.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, our dog bite team applies the strict-liability framework from the first call.
When Common Law Negligence May Apply Instead
Strict liability isn’t the only path to recover for a dog bite injury in Arizona. Courts also recognize a common law negligence claim against dog owners. It may apply when the owner knew, or should have known, the dog was dangerous. Then, they had to fail to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Plaintiffs often file both strict liability and common law negligence claims in the same case. Each has different requirements and deadlines. Filing both protects against a defense that defeats one claim but not the other.
When a bite happens on someone’s property, premises liability principles may also apply.
Strict Liability vs. Common Law Negligence
| Factor | Strict Liability (ARS § 11-1025) | Common Law Negligence |
|---|---|---|
| Owner’s prior knowledge required? | No | Yes |
| Victim must be lawfully present | Yes | Helpful but not required |
| Statute of limitations | 1 year | 2 years |
| Main defenses | Provocation, trespassing | Provocation, contributory factors |
| Who can be sued | Dog owner only | Owner, handler, property owner, others |
What are the Deadlines to File a Phoenix Dog Bite Claim?
Arizona dog bite deadlines vary by claim. The strict liability deadline is shorter than many victims may realize.
The 1-Year Strict Liability Deadline
Under ARS § 12-541, claims based on a “liability created by statute” must be filed within one year. Because ARS § 11-1025 creates the strict liability dog bite claim, the 1-year deadline applies.
CRITICAL DEADLINE: Strict liability dog bite claims under ARS § 11-1025 must be filed within one year of the bite. This is shorter than Arizona’s standard 2-year personal injury deadline.
The 2-Year Negligence Deadline
Common law negligence claims fall under Arizona’s general 2-year personal injury statute of limitations (ARS § 12-542). If the 1-year strict liability deadline has passed, a negligence claim may still be available.
However, when a government entity may be involved, Arizona requires a written notice of claim within 180 days.
Phoenix Dog Bite Case Deadlines
| Deadline | What It Applies To | Time From Bite |
|---|---|---|
| Report bite to Maricopa County | County animal control requirement | Within days (best practice) |
| Government claim notice | Government entity involvement | 180 days |
| Strict liability lawsuit | ARS § 11-1025 claim | 1 year |
| Common law negligence lawsuit | Negligence claim | 2 years |
Compensation You May Recover
Phoenix dog bite cases can recover the full range of personal injury damages under Arizona law. An experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney knows how to maximize your recovery.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses. This may include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for pain without a clear dollar value. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and decreased enjoyment of life are common.
Punitive Damages in Egregious Cases
Arizona allows punitive damages in certain situations. The dog owner’s conduct must’ve been reckless or disregarded others’ safety.
Most dog bite settlements are paid by the dog owner’s homeowner’s (or renter’s) insurance. For more, see our guide on why you need a dog bite attorney after an attack.
Common Questions About Phoenix Dog Bite Cases
How long do I have to file a Phoenix dog bite lawsuit?
The answer depends on the claim. Under ARS § 11-1025, a strict liability claim must be filed within one year of the bite. But a common law negligence claim has Arizona’s standard 2-year personal injury statute of limitations under ARS § 12-542.
Do I need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous?
No, you don’t need to prove that the dog was dangerous for a strict liability claim. Under ARS § 11-1025, owners are responsible. The “one free bite” rule does not apply in Arizona.
However, a common law negligence claim is different. Generally, it requires proving the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies. Bringing both claims often produces the strongest strategy.
What if I was on the dog owner’s property when I was bitten?
You may still recover if you were lawfully on the property. For example, as a guest, a mail carrier, or a repair worker. ARS § 11-1025 applies when the victim is lawfully on public or private property. The main exception is trespassing.
What does a Phoenix dog bite lawyer cost?
Most plaintiff-side firms, including our team, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay nothing upfront. Instead, you only pay if we win a settlement or verdict in your favor.
What if the dog owner doesn’t have homeowner’s insurance?
Most dog bite settlements come from the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. A Phoenix dog bite lawyer evaluates all potential sources of coverage. This includes umbrella policies, and possibly the property owner’s coverage if the dog owner was a tenant.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
Many different elements affect Phoenix dog bite cases. Your attorney must know Arizona’s strict liability framework, the 1-year deadline for the strongest claim, and the compensation available. Our trial team has handled dog bite and premises liability cases across Arizona and nationwide. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys on 2026-06-03. View his bio here.
