Yes. Arizona is a strict liability state for dog bites, meaning a dog owner is generally responsible for injuries their dog causes by biting someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog had aggressive tendencies or took every reasonable precaution. This is different from many other states, where a victim must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous before a bite can lead to liability.
If you or a family member was bitten in Phoenix or Tucson, here’s how Arizona’s law actually works and what it means for your claim.
What Arizona’s Strict Liability Law Actually Says
Under Arizona law, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites a person who is lawfully on public or private property — this includes situations where the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to believe it was dangerous. The “one free bite” rule that exists in some states does not apply in Arizona.
When Does Strict Liability Not Apply?
There are a few important exceptions:
- Trespassing. If the injured person was trespassing on private property at the time of the bite, strict liability generally does not apply.
- Provocation. If the injured person provoked the dog, this can reduce or eliminate the owner’s liability.
- Working or police dogs. Dogs performing official law enforcement or military duties are generally exempt from strict liability under specific circumstances.
What If I Was Bitten by a Dog That Wasn’t Leashed?
Arizona also has leash law violations that can create an additional basis for liability, separate from the strict liability statute itself. If the dog was off-leash in a location where leashes are legally required, this can further strengthen a claim.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
- Medical treatment, including reconstructive surgery for severe bites
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
- Emotional distress, particularly common in cases involving children
- Lost income
- Dolor y sufrimiento
What If the Dog Owner Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Many dog bite claims are actually paid through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, since most standard policies include liability coverage for dog bites (with some exceptions for certain breeds, depending on the insurer). An attorney can help identify what coverage is available even if the owner claims they have “no insurance for this.”
What to Do After a Dog Bite
- Seek medical attention immediately — dog bites carry a real infection risk beyond the visible wound.
- Get the owner’s contact and insurance information, and the dog’s vaccination records if possible.
- Report the bite to local animal control, which creates an official record.
- Photograph the injury as it heals over time, not just immediately after.
Get Your Dog Bite Case Reviewed
At Ruben Law Group, we offer free, no-obligation consultations for dog bite victims across Phoenix and Tucson. Se habla español, and there’s no fee unless we recover for you.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to prove the dog had bitten someone before?
No. Arizona’s strict liability law doesn’t require you to show the dog had a history of aggression — the owner is generally responsible for the bite regardless.
What if I was bitten while the dog was on a leash held by someone else?
Liability generally still applies to the dog’s owner, though the specific facts of the incident matter and should be reviewed with an attorney.
Can I still make a claim if the dog belongs to a family member or friend?
Yes. These claims are usually paid through insurance rather than out of the individual’s pocket, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re hesitant to pursue a claim against someone you know.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Arizona?
The general two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims applies to most dog bite cases in Arizona.
Call our Phoenix office at (623) 777-3405 or our Tucson office at (520) 777-1828 for a free consultation. We’re available 24 hours on call — and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different — contact an attorney to discuss your specific situation.