Dog Bite Lawyer in Phoenix | Free Consultation

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Beyond the physical pain, you may be left with emotional scars, medical bills, and the uncertainty of what to do next. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to face this situation without help.

At Zanes Law, our Phoenix personal injury lawyers can guide you every step of the way. Arizona’s laws surrounding dog bites are clear: if you were bitten by a dog while legally present on public or private property, the owner is likely responsible for your injuries.

But there can be obstacles, and mistakes can put your compensation at risk. You can protect your legal rights with the right representation. Our Phoenix dog bite lawyers can fight for the compensation and justice you deserve while you focus on healing.

Arizona Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know

Arizona has some of the strictest dog bite laws in the country, designed to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Here’s a breakdown of the key statutes:

ARS 11-1025: Dog Owner Liability

Strict liability law applies to Arizona dog bite claims. Under ARS 11-1025, dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog’s bite as long as:

The bite occurred on public property, such as a park or sidewalk.
The bite occurred on private property where the injured person had a legal right to be (e.g., as a guest, delivery driver, or worker).

Unlike other personal injury cases, you don’t need to prove negligence. The law holds dog owners strictly liable, meaning they’re responsible even if they didn’t know the dog was dangerous or if the dog had never bitten anyone before.

ARS 11-1026: Trespassing

Dog owners are not liable if the injured person was trespassing on their property. For example, if someone enters a yard unlawfully and is bitten, the owner is protected under the law.

However, anyone lawfully present—like a guest or mail carrier—is entitled to protection.

ARS 11-1027: Provocation

An owner may also avoid liability if they can prove the injured person provoked the dog. Arizona law defines provocation as actions or circumstances that a “reasonable person” would expect to provoke a dog. This can include teasing, hitting, or threatening the animal.

Special Rules for Police or Military Dogs

If the bite involves a police or military dog in active duty, different rules apply. These cases can be more complex, and it’s important to consult a Phoenix personal injury attorney to understand how these laws might affect your claim.

For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Phoenix, call (866) 499-8989

Common Challenges that Can Put Your Compensation at Risk in a Dog Bite Claim

While Arizona’s dog bite laws are strict and often favor victims, there are several challenges that could jeopardize your compensation if not handled properly.

Our Phoenix dog bite attorneys have an in-depth understanding of potential pitfalls that can help you avoid mistakes and strengthen your case. Here are some of the most common challenges:

Arguments of Trespassing

One of the most common defenses dog owners use is claiming that the victim was trespassing. Under ARS 11–1026, an owner is not liable if the injured person was unlawfully on their property. This can be especially tricky in cases where property boundaries or permissions are unclear.

Our experienced premises liability lawyers can help establish that you were lawfully present, whether as a guest, delivery worker, or someone performing a legal duty, such as reading a meter.

Claims of Provocation

Dog owners may argue that the injured person provoked the dog, which can limit or eliminate liability under ARS 11–1027. Provocation includes behaviors like teasing, hitting, or threatening the dog. However, what constitutes “reasonable provocation” can be subjective.

Your lawyer can challenge claims of provocation by providing evidence that your actions were reasonable and did not provoke the dog. Witness accounts and expert testimony can be particularly valuable here.

Insufficient Evidence

To succeed in your claim, you need to prove the circumstances of the dog bite, including the location of the incident, the dog’s owner, and the extent of your injuries. Without proper documentation and evidence, your claim may be denied or undervalued.

Collect key evidence, such as:

Photos of your injuries and the location of the bite.
Medical records detailing your treatment.
Witness statements.
Reports from Animal Control or law enforcement.

Your dog bite lawyer in Phoenix will help gather and organize this evidence to build a strong case.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlements, blaming the victim, or disputing liability. Without legal representation, it can be difficult to negotiate a fair settlement.

Let your lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company. We will advocate for your rights, counter lowball offers, and ensure the full value of your claim is considered.

Delays in Filing Your Claim

Arizona has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. If you wait too long to file, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Additionally, delays in seeking medical treatment or reporting the incident can weaken your case.

Act quickly. Seek medical attention immediately, report the bite to Animal Control, and consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.

Police or Military Dogs

If the bite involved a police or military dog performing official duties, the rules are different. Liability may be limited unless the dog was acting outside its scope of duty or the victim was uninvolved in the situation.

These cases can be complex, so it’s essential to work with an attorney who understands the nuances of Arizona’s dog bite laws and can determine whether exceptions apply.

By addressing these challenges proactively, your lawyer can protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (866) 499-8989

How a Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

Dog attacks can be traumatic and cause considerable physical and emotional trauma. It can be particularly challenging to deal with the insurance company when you or a loved one have been harmed. Here’s how we can help:

Investigating Your Case

A successful dog bite claim starts with a thorough investigation. Our team will carefully examine the details of your case to gather evidence that supports your claim. This can include:

Medical records and bills that document the extent of your injuries.
Witness statements from people who saw the attack or know the dog’s history.
Photos of your injuries, the accident location, and the dog involved.
Reports from Animal Control or law enforcement, which can establish important facts like the dog’s ownership or vaccination status.

We ensure that your claim is backed by clear and compelling facts by building a strong foundation of evidence.

Determining Liability

Arizona’s dog bite laws impose strict liability on dog owners, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence to hold them accountable. However, there are exceptions that the other side might try to exploit—such as claims of trespassing or provocation.

We’ll analyze every detail of your case to prove that you were lawfully present on the property and that you didn’t provoke the dog. If the owner tries to shift blame or deny responsibility, we’ll use the evidence to refute their claims and make sure the facts are on your side.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating parts of a dog bite claim. Adjusters often use tactics to minimize payouts, such as:

Offering lowball settlements that don’t cover your full medical costs.
Disputing the severity of your injuries.
Arguing that you were partially at fault or provoked the dog.

You shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. Our lawyers are experienced negotiators who understand how insurers operate. We’ll handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement offer.

Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

While many dog bite claims are resolved through negotiation, there are times when the other side refuses to settle fairly. In these cases, we’re fully prepared to take your claim to court.

Our experienced dog bite attorneys in Phoenix will present a strong case on your behalf, using evidence and expert testimony to demonstrate the full extent of your damages.

Whether it’s proving the dog owner’s liability, highlighting the impact of your injuries, or countering any defenses raised by the other side, we’ll fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Providing Support

A dog bite injury doesn’t just affect your physical health—it can also take a toll on your emotional well-being. Beyond the pain and trauma, you may feel anxious about returning to your daily life or fearful of encountering dogs in the future.

At Zanes Law, we understand the emotional weight of these cases. We approach every client with empathy, treating you like family and making sure you feel heard and supported throughout the legal process.

While we focus on securing justice for you, you can focus on what matters most—healing and moving forward.

Click to contact our Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers today

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to recover damages for:

Medical Bills: Emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical expenses related to the bite.
Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as compensation if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and any lasting psychological impact, such as anxiety or PTSD.
Scarring and Disfigurement: If the bite has left permanent scars, especially on visible areas like the face, these damages can be significant.

Our team will carefully calculate the full extent of your losses to ensure you’re fairly compensated.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite injuries can range from minor scrapes to severe, life-altering wounds. Regardless of the severity, these injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts.

We’ve helped clients recover compensation for a wide variety of injuries caused by dog attacks. Here are the most common injuries we see in dog bite cases:

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations

Dog bites often result in deep puncture wounds or lacerations due to the sharpness of a dog’s teeth. These injuries can damage the skin, muscles, and underlying tissues, leaving victims in significant pain.

Deep wounds also carry a high risk of infection, including serious conditions like sepsis or tetanus.

Infections

One of the most common complications of dog bites is infection. Dogs’ mouths contain bacteria that can enter the body through bite wounds. Infections can result in further complications such as loss of limbs, permanent scarring, or even death.

Prompt medical treatment is critical to prevent infections from worsening.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Canine bites can leave permanent scars, especially if the injuries occur on visible areas like the face, hands, or arms. Severe bites may result in disfigurement, requiring reconstructive or plastic surgery to repair the damage.

Scarring and disfigurement can also lead to emotional trauma, including anxiety or self-consciousness about one’s appearance.

Nerve Damage

A dog’s bite can damage nerves in the affected area, leading to pain, numbness, or even permanent loss of sensation or function. For example, bites to the hands or arms can cause nerve injuries that make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

Broken Bones

In some cases, the force of a dog’s bite can fracture or crush bones, particularly in the hands, fingers, or legs. Victims may require surgery, physical therapy, or extended recovery periods to regain mobility and strength.

Facial Injuries

Facial dog bites are especially traumatic, as they can affect the eyes, nose, lips, or ears. These injuries often require specialized medical care, including stitches, surgery, or skin grafts, and can leave lasting scars or disfigurement.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

A dog attack isn’t just a physical injury—it’s often a deeply traumatic experience. Many victims develop:

Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Fear of Dogs: Victims may feel intense fear or panic around dogs after the incident.
Depression and Anxiety: The emotional toll of the attack, combined with physical pain or disfigurement, can lead to long-term mental health struggles.

Emotional injuries are just as real as physical ones, and they’re an important part of any dog bite claim.

Loss of Function or Amputation

In extreme cases, dog bites can cause devastating injuries that result in the loss of function in a limb. If the damage is severe enough, amputation may be necessary.

These injuries can permanently alter a bite victim’s life and require substantial compensation for long-term care and rehabilitation.

Death

Although rare, fatal dog attacks do occur, particularly in cases involving children or elderly individuals. Families of victims in fatal dog attacks may file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for their loss.

Why Compensation Matters for Dog Bite Injuries

Bite incidents can lead to costly medical bills, lost wages, and a decreased quality of life. Our dog bite attorneys in Phoenix fight to ensure you’re compensated for all the ways the injury has impacted your life, including:

Current and future medical expenses.
Lost income or diminished earning capacity.
Pain and suffering.
Emotional distress and therapy costs.
Reconstructive surgery or rehabilitation.

If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries in a dog attack, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice.

Why Choose Zanes Law?

When you work with Zanes Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a dedicated legal team that’s committed to your success. Here’s what sets us apart:

Experience You Can Trust: We’ve handled countless dog bite cases, and we know what it takes to win.
Personalized Attention: Your case is unique, and we treat it as such. We’ll tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and goals.
No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Proven Results: Our track record speaks for itself—we’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation.

Contact a Phoenix Dog Bite Law Firm for a Free Consultation

A dog bite injury can disrupt your life in countless ways, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. With Zanes Law by your side, you’ll have a team of experienced, compassionate professionals fighting for your future.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Let us handle the legal details while you focus on healing and protecting your family.

Call or text (866) 499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form