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Dog Bite Lawyer Phoenix - Solorzano Law Firm
Phoenix & Tucson Dog Bite Lawyer
Get skilled legal help from a trusted Dog Bites Lawyer Phoenix at Solorzano Law Firm. We provide expert dog bite injury representation and free case reviews for victims in Maricopa County and surrounding areas.
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Trusted dog bite Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
Has a dog bitten you or your child? You deserve a dedicated Phoenix dog bite attorney who will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. Dog bites can result in serious injuries, including permanent scars, especially in the facial area.
Arizona law holds pet owners accountable for the harm caused by their pets. At the Solorzano Law Firm, we know how to leverage the law to your advantage when you’ve been injured due to a dog bite. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and to show you how our firm can support you.
Dog Bite Laws in Arizona
Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, a dog owner may be held liable when the dog bites a person in a public place or when the person is lawfully on private property. This may include invited guests, customers, workers, delivery personnel, or others who have a legal right to be on the property.
Arizona’s dog bite statute is often described as a strict liability law. This means the injured person usually does not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent or that the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. If the statutory requirements are met, the owner may be responsible for the damages caused by the bite. Arizona does not follow a “one-bite rule” for statutory dog bite claims. See A.R.S. § 11-1025.
Arizona law also recognizes provocation as a defense. If the injured person provoked the dog, the owner may argue that the statute does not apply. Provocation is evaluated by looking at whether a reasonable person would expect the injured person’s conduct to provoke a dog. See A.R.S. § 11-1025.
Some dog bite cases do not fit neatly into the strict liability statute. For example, a person may be bitten while trespassing, while entering a property without permission, or in a situation where the legal right to be on the property is disputed. That does not always mean the injured person has no case.
In those situations, the injured person may still have a claim under Arizona common law, depending on the facts. This type of claim may require proof that the dog had dangerous tendencies, that the owner knew or should have known about those tendencies, or that the owner failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances.
Arizona law also addresses injuries or property damage caused by a dog that is “at large.” A dog is generally considered “at large” when it is not confined by an enclosure or physically restrained by a leash. See A.R.S. §§ 11-1001 and 11-1020.
After a dog bite, the incident may also trigger public health rules. Arizona law requires certain biting animals to be confined and quarantined, including an unvaccinated dog or cat that bites a person. See A.R.S. § 11-1014.
If you were bitten by a dog in Phoenix, Gilbert, or anywhere in Arizona, contact Solorzano Law Firm. A dog bite lawyer can review where the bite happened, whether you were lawfully on the property, whether provocation is being claimed, whether the dog was at large, and what compensation may be available under Arizona law.
Statutes of Limitation in Arizona Dog Bite Cases
In civil cases, a statute of limitations sets a deadline for initiating a lawsuit concerning a specific claim. For most personal injury cases, including those involving car accidents or negligence, the lawsuit must be filed within two years from when the cause of action accrues.
However, claims made under the strict liability statute (A.R.S. 11-1025) have a different timeline. Since these claims are established by statute, the legislature has set a shorter statute of limitations compared to common law actions. According to A.R.S. 12-541, actions based on statutory liability must be commenced within one year from the date the cause of action accrues. Generally, this occurs on the date you suffer your injury.
It’s crucial to understand that legal matters in dog bite cases can be intricate. Without the guidance of the right attorney, you risk losing your claim by failing to pursue it within the applicable time frame.
How Does Insurance Come Into Play in a Dog Bite Case?
Many dog bite injury claims involve homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance. In many cases, these policies may provide liability coverage for injuries caused by a dog, depending on the policy terms, exclusions, coverage limits, and facts of the incident.
This matters because Arizona law may hold a dog owner liable when the dog bites someone in a public place or when the injured person is lawfully on private property. See A.R.S. § 11-1025. If insurance coverage applies, the claim may be handled by the dog owner’s insurance company rather than paid directly by the owner.
Insurance coverage can be helpful because it may provide a source of compensation for medical bills, lost income, scarring, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, it also means an insurance adjuster will likely become involved.
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. Their role is to evaluate the claim, review liability, examine medical records, and determine what the company is willing to pay. They may ask for recorded statements, request medical authorizations, dispute the severity of the injury, argue that the injured person provoked the dog, or offer a quick settlement before the full impact of the injury is known.
Arizona law identifies certain unfair claim settlement practices. These include failing to act reasonably and promptly on claim communications, failing to promptly settle claims when liability has become reasonably clear, and failing to provide a reasonable explanation for a claim denial or compromise settlement offer. See A.R.S. § 20-461.
Because dog bite claims can involve liability disputes, insurance policy issues, medical evidence, scarring, infection risk, and long-term damages, it is best not to deal with the insurance company alone. A Phoenix dog bite attorney can communicate with the adjuster, gather evidence, document damages, respond to low offers, and prepare the case for litigation if needed.
Many Arizona personal injury claims must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. See A.R.S. § 12-542. Speaking with a lawyer early can help protect evidence, avoid missed deadlines, and give you a clearer understanding of your legal options.
Phoenix Dog Bite Injury Attorney
Each year, millions of people in the United States are bitten by dogs. Public health sources commonly estimate that about 4.5 million dog bites happen each year, and hundreds of thousands of people seek medical care for bite-related injuries. Children are especially vulnerable, and younger children may suffer more serious injuries because of their size and proximity to a dog’s face and mouth.
Dog bite injuries can be severe for people of any age, but children often suffer injuries to the face, head, neck, arms, and hands. These injuries may include puncture wounds, deep lacerations, torn tissue, nerve damage, infection, scarring, disfigurement, fractures, and emotional trauma.
Some dog bite injuries require emergency care, stitches, antibiotics, imaging, hospitalization, plastic surgery, skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, scar revision, or multiple follow-up procedures. In serious cases, a bite injury may affect appearance, speech, eating, sleep, confidence, school, work, and daily life.
Arizona law may hold a dog owner liable when a dog bites someone in a public place or when the injured person is lawfully on private property. This liability can apply even if the dog had not bitten anyone before and even if the owner did not know the dog might be dangerous. See A.R.S. § 11-1025.
If the dog was running loose, Arizona law may also apply to injuries or property damage caused by a dog at large. See A.R.S. § 11-1020. Arizona law defines “at large” as a dog that is not confined by an enclosure or physically restrained by a leash. See A.R.S. § 11-1001.
After a dog bite, medical care should come first. The bite may also need to be reported, and the dog may be subject to confinement or quarantine rules depending on the facts. See A.R.S. § 11-1014.
A dog bite lawyer can help protect your rights, gather evidence, deal with the insurance company, and pursue the compensation available under Arizona law. Many Arizona personal injury claims must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. See A.R.S. § 12-542.
Dog bite injuries can be severe, particularly for young children, though they can profoundly impact individuals of any age. Children often suffer facial injuries due to their smaller size in relation to dogs. Lacerations resulting from dog bites frequently necessitate extensive medical interventions, such as plastic surgery involving skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, dermabrasion, and other procedures. Repairing the damage inflicted by the bite typically requires multiple surgeries.
In some cases, hospitalization becomes necessary following a dog bite due to open lacerations, the risk of skin infections, and other factors. Additionally, dog bites have been known to cause bone fractures and internal injuries, adding further complexity and seriousness to the situation. These injuries often demand prolonged treatment periods to ensure proper recovery. Even in cases of dog bites, our legal representatives are here to provide legal support and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Why Choose the Solorzano Law Firm Team for My Dog Bite Case?
At Solorzano Law Firm, we’re not just a team; we’re a group of seasoned legal professionals with decades of experience. We specialize in personal injury cases and pride ourselves on consistently achieving outstanding results for our clients. While not every case ends up in court, having a skilled trial lawyer by your side significantly boosts the chances of reaching a favorable settlement.
If your case does go to trial, rest assured that Jonathan Solorzano and our entire team are prepared to go the distance. We’ll put in the hard work and expertise necessary to ensure you receive top-notch legal representation and the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been injured or need someone to handle your dog bite case, contact Jonathan at the Solorzano Law Team. He’ll meet with you for a free consultation, allowing you to experience our dedication and commitment to our clients firsthand.
Dog Bites in Phoenix: Understanding Your Rights
Dog bites and dog attacks can cause serious injuries, especially to children. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog in Phoenix, Gilbert, or anywhere in Arizona, it is important to understand your rights and take the right steps after the injury.
Dog bite victims may face puncture wounds, infections, scarring, nerve damage, broken bones, emotional trauma, medical bills, lost income, and long-term treatment needs. Children may suffer serious facial injuries because of their smaller size and proximity to a dog’s head and mouth.
Arizona law may hold a dog owner liable when a dog bites someone in a public place or when the injured person is lawfully on private property. This can include invited guests, customers, workers, delivery personnel, or others who have a legal right to be on the property. See A.R.S. § 11-1025.
If you need help after a dog bite, Solorzano Law Firm can review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation available under Arizona law.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
Taking quick action after a dog bite can protect your health and preserve important evidence.
Get medical attention right away: Dog bites can cause infection, tissue damage, nerve damage, scarring, and other complications. Medical records also help document the injury.
Take photos: Photograph the wound, torn clothing, blood, the location of the attack, and any visible signs of the dog or unsafe conditions.
Report the incident: Report the dog bite to the proper local agency, such as Maricopa County Animal Care and Control or the appropriate city or county authority. Arizona law includes confinement and quarantine rules for certain biting animals. See A.R.S. § 11-1014.
Gather information: Get the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, insurance information if available, and details about the dog. Also collect witness names and contact information.
Avoid giving recorded statements: Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with a lawyer.
Contact a Phoenix dog bite lawyer: A lawyer can help preserve evidence, review liability, communicate with the insurance company, and explain the legal deadlines that may apply.
Types of Injuries From Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause injuries that range from minor wounds to life-changing trauma.
Common dog bite injuries include:
Puncture wounds
Deep lacerations
Torn skin and soft tissue damage
Infection
Nerve damage
Broken bones
Tendon or ligament injuries
Scarring and disfigurement
Facial injuries
Eye injuries
Emotional trauma
Anxiety around dogs
Pain and suffering
Serious dog bite injuries may require emergency care, stitches, antibiotics, imaging, surgery, plastic surgery, scar revision, counseling, and long-term follow-up care.
Reporting the Incident to Authorities
Reporting a dog bite creates a formal record of what happened. It may also help protect others from future injuries.
In Maricopa County, dog bites may need to be reported to animal control or another local authority. Arizona law also addresses confinement and quarantine after certain bites. See A.R.S. § 11-1014.
A report may document:
The date, time, and location of the bite
The dog owner’s information
The dog’s description
Rabies vaccination status, if known
Witness information
Whether the dog was loose, restrained, or on private property
The nature of the injury
This record can help support a future insurance claim or lawsuit.
Liability for Dog Bites in Arizona
Arizona has a specific dog bite statute. Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, a dog owner may be liable for damages when the dog bites a person in a public place or when the person is lawfully on private property, including the property of the dog owner.
This statute does not require the injured person to prove that the dog had bitten someone before. It also does not require proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. This is why Arizona’s dog bite law is often described as a strict liability law.
Arizona also recognizes provocation as a defense. If the injured person provoked the dog, the owner may argue that the statute does not apply. Provocation is evaluated by asking whether a reasonable person would expect the injured person’s conduct to provoke a dog. See A.R.S. § 11-1025.
Dogs at Large
A separate Arizona statute may apply when a dog is running loose. Under A.R.S. § 11-1020, injury to a person or damage to property caused by a dog while at large is the responsibility of the dog owner or the person responsible for the dog.
Arizona law defines “at large” as being neither confined by an enclosure nor physically restrained by a leash. See A.R.S. § 11-1001.
This may matter if the dog escaped from a yard, ran loose in a neighborhood, attacked someone in a public area, or was not properly restrained.
Responsibility of Dog Owners
Dog owners should use reasonable care to prevent their dogs from harming others. Depending on the facts, a claim may involve strict liability under Arizona’s dog bite statute, liability for a dog at large, negligence, or common-law claims.
A dog owner’s responsibility may depend on:
Where the bite happened
Whether the injured person was lawfully present
Whether the dog was provoked
Whether the dog was loose or restrained
Whether the owner violated leash or animal control rules
Whether the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies
Whether another person had control of the dog at the time
A Phoenix dog bite lawyer can review these facts and determine which legal theories may apply.
Landlord and Property Owner Liability
Some dog bite cases may involve a landlord, apartment complex, property manager, or property owner. These cases are fact-specific.
A landlord or property owner may become part of the legal analysis if they knew about a dangerous dog, had control over the property, had the ability to enforce pet rules, ignored complaints, or failed to address a known hazard.
Not every dog bite on rental property creates landlord liability. A lawyer must review the lease terms, prior complaints, animal control records, property rules, and the owner’s knowledge of the risk.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite claim may seek compensation for the full impact of the injury.
Damages may include:
Medical expenses: Emergency care, urgent care, stitches, antibiotics, imaging, surgery, plastic surgery, scar treatment, follow-up visits, and counseling.
Lost wages: Income lost during recovery.
Reduced earning ability: Future income loss if the injury limits the person’s ability to work.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, fear, anxiety, sleep problems, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scars, facial injuries, visible wounds, and the emotional impact of disfigurement.
Future medical care: Scar revision, reconstructive surgery, therapy, and long-term treatment needs.
If a dog bite causes fatal injuries, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim under Arizona law. See A.R.S. §§ 12-611, 12-612, and 12-613.
Factors That Affect Settlement Value
Several factors may affect the value of a dog bite claim.
These may include:
Severity of the injury
Location of the bite
Scarring or disfigurement
Whether the victim is a child
Need for surgery or future care
Infection or complications
Lost income
Emotional trauma
Available insurance coverage
Whether provocation is alleged
Whether the dog was at large
Strength of the evidence
Because every case is different, there is no reliable average settlement amount that applies to all dog bite claims.
Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Phoenix
A dog bite claim usually starts with evidence gathering, medical documentation, insurance review, and liability analysis.
Important evidence may include:
Medical records
Photos of injuries
Photos of the location
Witness statements
Animal control reports
Police reports, if applicable
Dog owner information
Insurance information
Prior bite or aggression complaints
Proof of lost income
A lawyer can use this evidence to prepare a claim, negotiate with the insurance company, or file a lawsuit if needed.
Statute of Limitations in Arizona
Arizona has filing deadlines for personal injury claims. In many cases, a dog bite injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. See A.R.S. § 12-542.
Missing the deadline can prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation, even if the claim would otherwise be valid. Because deadlines can change based on the facts, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a dog bite.
The Legal Process: Negotiation and Trial
Many dog bite claims resolve through insurance negotiations. A lawyer may send a demand letter that explains the facts, liability, injuries, treatment, damages, and settlement position.
If the insurance company disputes the claim, blames the injured person, argues provocation, denies coverage, or makes a low offer, the case may require litigation.
The legal process may include:
Investigation
Insurance claim filing
Demand letter
Settlement negotiation
Lawsuit filing
Discovery
Depositions
Mediation
Trial, if needed
Arizona law also identifies certain unfair claim settlement practices by insurers, including failing to act reasonably and promptly on claim communications and failing to provide a reasonable explanation for a claim denial or compromise settlement offer. See A.R.S. § 20-461.
Solorzano Law Firm: Your Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Phoenix, Arizona, Solorzano Law Firm can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Our team can investigate the attack, gather evidence, review insurance coverage, deal with the adjuster, document damages, and pursue the compensation available under Arizona law.
We offer free consultations for dog bite injury cases. Contact Solorzano Law Firm today to discuss your case.