Dog attacks can be terrifying and traumatic. When an aggressive dog turns violent, victims are often left with painful wounds, permanent scarring, infections, and emotional trauma that lingers long after the incident. Just under 4.5 million people in America are bitten by dogs each year, with around 800,000 seeking medical attention. Children make up over half of those requiring medical treatment, with kids between ages five and nine being the most vulnerable.

In Arizona, lawmakers recognize the seriousness of these injuries. That is why the state has one of the strongest victim-protective laws in the country—a strict liability dog bite statute that removes common legal barriers and protects victims’ rights to compensation.

Why Arizona Dog Bite Cases Are Different

Not every state makes it easy for dog bite victims to pursue compensation. Some require victims to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent—creating significant legal hurdles that can leave injured victims without recourse. Arizona removes many of those barriers through strict liability.

What does strict liability mean?

In Arizona, a dog owner is automatically responsible if their dog bites someone—even if the dog has never bitten or shown aggression before. Unlike the law in some states, Arizona pet owners do not get one “free bite” before they become liable for injuries inflicted on others by their dog.

This key legal protection allows victims to focus on recovery rather than fighting complicated legal arguments about the dog’s past behavior. You do not have to prove the dog’s owner was at fault or negligent—as long as the statutory requirements are met, liability is established.

This is precisely why having an experienced dog bite injury lawyer from Lebovitz Law Group on your side makes such a difference in these cases.

Arizona Statutes Supporting Dog Bite Victims

Several laws ensure dog owners are held accountable:

Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-1025 — Strict Liability for Dog Bites

Under A.R.S. 11-1025, owners are liable when their dog bites a person who is:

In a public place, OR
Lawfully on private property (including legally visiting a residence as an invited guest)

The statute specifically states that liability is established whether or not the owner was aware of any past behavior that would indicate the dog had vicious propensities. Negligence does not need to be proven.

However, the law does provide that if the injured person provoked the attack, the owner may use that as a defense.

Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-1027 — Provocation Defense

Under A.R.S. 11-1027, provocation hinges on whether a reasonable person would anticipate that the injured person’s conduct would provoke a dog. This is a narrow defense, and a skilled dog attack lawyer knows how to counter these claims with strong evidence.

Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-1020 — Leash and Restraint Laws

Owners must control their dogs in public. Violations of leash laws strengthen the case for victims and demonstrate owner negligence.

These laws create a powerful pathway for compensation with help from an experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney at Lebovitz Law Group.

Who Is Responsible After a Dog Attack?

Typically, the dog’s owner is the primary party held liable. However, others may also be responsible, including:

Property owners who allow dangerous dogs on their premises
Landlords who ignore reports of aggressive dogs
Caretakers or dog walkers in control of the dog during the attack
Pet sitters or boarders responsible for the dog at the time of the incident

A knowledgeable dog attack attorney can investigate all possible liable parties to ensure a full compensation recovery. This thorough approach is what sets Lebovitz Law Group apart—we leave no stone unturned in building your case.

Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims in Arizona

You may be eligible to recover damages for:

Medical Expenses:

Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
Ongoing medical care and follow-up appointments
Plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures
Skin grafts and scar revision treatments
Rabies testing and vaccinations
Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Economic Losses:

Lost wages during recovery
Future earning limitations if permanently disabled
Travel expenses for medical care

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and emotional suffering
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Emotional distress and PTSD treatment

Children, who are the most common victims, may require years of follow-up care and multiple reconstructive surgeries as they grow. Your dog bite injury lawyer at Lebovitz Law Group will ensure every cost—present and future—is included in your claim to maximize your recovery.

How Insurance Comes Into Play

Many dog bite claims are paid through:

Homeowners insurance policies that cover liability
Renters insurance with liability coverage
Umbrella policies for larger claims

The purpose is to ensure victims are compensated without causing unnecessary personal hardship to the dog’s owner—which often means families, neighbors, or friends can still maintain relationships while insurance covers recovery costs.

However, insurance companies have one goal: to pay as little as possible. They are not on your side, even if they seem friendly and helpful initially.

The Reality of Dealing with Insurance Companies

To combat the rigid posture of the insurers, your best interests are served by having an experienced attorney by your side. This means an attorney who:

Knows how to negotiate with insurance companies
Means business and won’t back down
Is experienced and knowledgeable about dog bite law
Is not afraid to proceed to trial when necessary to protect your interests

At Lebovitz Law Group, Brandon Lebovitz and his team have extensive experience fighting insurance companies and securing maximum compensation for dog bite victims. We understand their tactics, and we know how to counter them effectively.

What the Dog Owner May Try to Argue

Even with strict liability, dog owners and insurers sometimes attempt to avoid blame by claiming:

You provoked the dog through your actions or behavior
You were trespassing and not lawfully on the property
The attack was self-defense by the animal
You were negligent in your own conduct
The injuries aren’t as serious as claimed

A skilled dog attack lawyer will counter these defenses with evidence such as:

Witness statements from people who saw the attack
Medical documentation showing the severity of injuries
Animal behavior expert reports
Photos of the scene and injuries
Police and animal control reports
Veterinary records showing the dog’s history

The legal team at Lebovitz Law Group will ensure you get the compensation you deserve after an animal bite injury by building an airtight case that refutes these common defenses.

Statutes of Limitation in Arizona Dog Bite Cases

A statute of limitations sets a time limit for when you can file a lawsuit regarding a particular claim. In Arizona, there are two important deadlines that may apply to your dog bite case:

Strict Liability Claims (A.R.S. 11-1025):

Must be filed within 1 year from the date of the injury.

The Arizona legislature recognized the need for a distinct and shorter statute of limitations for strict liability actions. Specifically, A.R.S. 12-541 stipulates that when liability is established by statute, an action must be initiated within one year from the date the cause of action accrues.

Negligence/Common Law Claims:

May be filed within 2 years from the date of the injury.

Most personal injury cases — whether involving a car accident, medical negligence, or other harmful conduct — must be filed within two years from the date the cause of action accrues. This time frame is also applicable to injuries sustained due to a dog bite under Arizona common law.

If you’re pursuing a complex injury claim, such as one involving medical negligence or malpractice, consulting an experienced Phoenix medical malpractice attorney can help ensure that you meet all filing deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.

Important: Generally, a cause of action accrues on the very day you experienced the injury. Missing these deadlines can eliminate your right to compensation entirely.

Why You Can’t Wait

It is crucial to understand that legal complexities often arise in dog bite cases. Having the right legal representation, such as a qualified dog bite lawyer in Phoenix, is essential. Failing to promptly pursue your claim with the appropriate attorney could result in:

Loss of your legal rights
Inability to recover compensation
Weakened evidence as memories fade
Lost or destroyed evidence
Difficulty locating witnesses

Don’t let the statute of limitations derail your claim. Contact Lebovitz Law Group immediately to protect your rights.

What If the Incident Doesn’t Fit the Strict Liability Statute?

Let’s say a neighbor’s dog bites you on property owned by that neighbor; however, you were not invited onto the property, making you a trespasser as a technical matter. In that case, you may not fulfill the requirements for strict liability under A.R.S. 11-1025.

Does this mean you have no case? Absolutely not.

You can still make a claim and sue based on common law in Arizona. This may require that you prove:

The dog had a propensity for vicious behavior
The owner knew or had reason to know of its aggressiveness
The owner was negligent in controlling or restraining the dog

Just because you cannot use the strict liability statute does not mean that you do not have a case! The expert Phoenix dog bite attorneys at Lebovitz Law Group can evaluate your specific situation and determine the best legal pathway for your claim.

Special Considerations for Child Victims

Children between the ages of five and nine are more likely to be bitten than any other age group. When children are victims, their cases require special attention because:

Physical Factors:

Their small size makes facial and head injuries more likely
Growing bodies may require multiple surgeries over years
Scarring can worsen or become more noticeable as they grow
Dental injuries may affect permanent teeth development

Psychological Factors:

Trauma can affect personality development
Fear of dogs may limit normal childhood activities
PTSD symptoms may not fully manifest until later
Long-term therapy may be necessary

Legal Factors:

Provocation defenses are less likely to succeed against young children
Future damages calculations must account for decades of impact
Parents may have their own emotional distress claims

If your child has been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and consult a qualified Phoenix dog bite attorney at Lebovitz Law Group. These legal professionals specialize in handling cases involving dog-related injuries and can help you understand your rights, pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages, and navigate the legal process effectively.

The Lebovitz Law Group Advantage

When you choose Lebovitz Law Group to handle your dog bite case, you get:

Personal Attention

One-on-one consultation with Managing Attorney Brandon Lebovitz. You are important to us, and we show it. Feel confident knowing that you will have Mr. Lebovitz’s personal attention every step of the way—you’re not just a case number.

Experience and Knowledge

The legal and insurance systems are confusing and intimidating. The Lebovitz Law Group has the experience and knowledge to guide you through them and to help you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Aggressive Representation

We know how to negotiate with insurance companies — we mean business — and we are not afraid to proceed to trial when necessary to protect your interests. From dog bite claims to rideshare accident lawsuits, our attorneys fight relentlessly to ensure every client receives the justice they deserve.

Protect Your Rights After a Dog Attack

Being bitten or attacked by a dog is more than a painful experience—it can permanently alter your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. With hundreds of thousands requiring emergency room visits each year and children being particularly vulnerable, these incidents are serious matters that demand serious legal representation.

Arizona law is designed to protect victims like you through one of the strongest strict liability statutes in the nation, but the legal process can be challenging without support from an experienced attorney who knows how to maximize your recovery.

You deserve an advocate who will:

Investigate the incident thoroughly
Handle all insurance negotiations aggressively
Fight for full compensation—not quick settlements
Support your long-term recovery with personalized attention
Take your case to trial if necessary

A trusted Phoenix dog bite lawyer can make the difference between an unfair settlement and the justice you deserve.

Take Action Now

If you or a loved one has been bitten by an animal, you need a Phoenix Valley dog bite attorney who will do what it takes to ensure you are compensated fairly for your injuries. Injuries from an animal bite can be very serious, possibly requiring hospitalization, surgical intervention, or permanent scarring to the face or other body areas.

Don’t wait. Contact Lebovitz Law Group today.

Call us at 602-975-5550 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Arizona’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law: What Every Victim Should Know