AZ Strict Liability Statute in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bites can be harrowing and traumatic experiences for victims. Survivors are often left with permanent physical scars and emotional injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or nightmares. After a dog attack, it is up to you to protect your rights and seek compensation from the at-fault party. Arizona’s dog bite statute dictates strict liability, meaning the pet owner will be responsible for most dog attacks. The lawyers at Torgenson Law can help you hold the at-fault party accountable for your losses. Contact our Phoenix dog bite attorneys today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Us?

• We can help you hold the pet owner accountable for your losses, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
• We have lawyers with trial experience who can take your dog bite claim to court if that is what it takes for fair compensation.
• We understand Arizona’s dog bite laws and have navigated them for over 15 years. You can rest assured we know how to take care of your case.
• We take dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning at no cost upfront. You will only pay for our services after we win you compensation, and only if we win.

When to Consult an Attorney

It can be in your best interest to speak to an attorney after any dog attack in Phoenix, regardless of the circumstances. A lawyer is someone you can trust to do what is right for you, your family and your future. An insurance adjuster, on the other hand, will want to save the company money over everything else. When you hire an attorney, a professional will guide you through every phase of the claims process with trustworthy legal counsel. You can depend on your lawyer to file your claim, demand maximum compensation and fight until you get fair results.

About Arizona’s Dog Bite Statute

Most states have one-bite rules or negligence-based dog bite laws. Under these laws, a pet owner will only be liable for a dog attack if he or she should have known about the dog’s vicious propensities and failed to prevent a bite. Arizona is not one of these states. Arizona is a strict dog bite liability state. Under Arizona Revised Statute 11-1025, the owner of a dog that bites a person will be liable for the victim’s damages regardless of any prior knowledge of the viciousness of the dog. This strict liability law that makes it easier for victims to recover compensation for their losses.

According to Arizona’s dog attack statute, a pet owner will have to pay for your damages even if the dog had never bitten anyone in the past. If you were lawfully on private property or on public property, did not provoke the dog, and the defendant was the owner of the dog, the defendant will have to pay restitution. The most common defenses to a dog bite claim are that the plaintiff instigated the attack or was trespassing. Hiring a lawyer could help you combat these defenses and argue for full compensation from the pet owner.

Pursuing Compensation After a Dog Attack in Phoenix

Despite the seemingly straightforward nature of Arizona’s owner liability statute, pursuing compensation can be difficult as a victim. You may not understand the legal process or how to obtain the best results possible. After a dog bite that seriously injures you or a loved one, work with an attorney for assistance in pursuing compensation. A lawyer can help you identify the defendant and file a claim with his or her homeowners insurance company.

Your lawyer could base your claim off of Arizona’s strict dog bite rule, dog owner negligence laws, gross negligence or any other grounds depending on the circumstances of the attack. Your attorney will know how to create a detailed demand letter that supports your right to maximum financial compensation from the insurer. If the insurance company refuses to offer an appropriate amount for your dog bite injuries, a lawyer can help you proceed to court in Phoenix instead.

Contact an Attorney Today

The dog bite injury attorneys at Torgenson Law may be able to help you fight for fair compensation after suffering a devastating dog bite injury in Arizona. We have experience representing injured dog bite survivors and understand Arizona’s dog bite statutes. Find out what your claim could be worth today during a free consultation. Call (602) 726-0747 or request a meeting through our online portal.