Has a dog bitten you or someone in your family in Arizona? You might have a right to compensation for medical bills, scarring, lost income, and the emotional toll that follows an animal attack. Sorting out insurance, deadlines, and Arizona dog bite laws on your own can feel like too much, especially while you or your child is still healing.
A Buckeye dog bite lawyer can step in, answer your questions, and protect your claim from the start. Call the experienced dog bite attorneys of Gill Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Why Hire a Buckeye Dog Bite Attorney?
A dog bite has significant consequences. You might deal with ER visits, rabies checks, stitches, infection worries, and a new fear of dogs. A local attorney who handles these cases can take on the legal work while you focus on medical care and getting your daily life back on track.
At Gill Law Firm, you’ll work with trial-tested attorneys who understand Arizona’s strict liability and negligence rules for dog attacks. Lead Attorney Jeffrey Gill, a military veteran and endurance athlete, brings grit, discipline, and follow-through to every case. Two experienced trial attorneys handle each claim from the initial filing through depositions, settlement negotiations, and, if necessary, trial.
You always have direct access to the attorneys working on your case. Your legal team will gather evidence, coordinate with doctors and animal control, and push for fair compensation so you don’t feel like just another case number or have to manage the process on your own.
Overview of Arizona’s Dog Bite Laws
Arizona law holds dog owners strictly liable when their dogs bite someone. This is true even if the dog has never shown aggression before. This differs from “one-bite” states, where owners may escape liability until they become aware that the dog is dangerous. In Arizona, the main focus is the bite itself. Owners may avoid liability if the victim trespassed or provoked the dog.
Liability for Dogs “At Large”
Arizona also holds owners responsible for injuries caused by dogs “at large.” A dog is at large when it roams without a leash or escapes a fenced or confined space. If a loose dog knocks someone down, causes a bike crash, or runs into traffic and triggers a wreck, the owner may owe compensation for all resulting injuries, not just bite wounds.
Negligence Claims
Dog owners can also face negligence claims. This applies when a dog that is not at large still causes harm, such as a leashed dog that jumps and knocks someone over. In these cases, the injured person must show that the owner failed to use reasonable care, such as using a proper leash or controlling the dog around others, and that this failure led to the injury.
Aggressive and Vicious Dogs
Arizona law pays close attention to aggressive and vicious dogs. Aggressive dogs show unprovoked, dangerous behavior, such as biting or trying to attack. Owners must take extra precautions to keep those dogs secure and under control in public. Vicious dogs pose an even higher risk and trigger strict confinement rules and serious penalties if owners ignore those rules. If an owner ignores safety measures and a dog attacks, those factors can play a major role in your claim.
Steps To Take If You Get Bitten by a Dog
If a dog bites you in Buckeye or anywhere in Arizona, you should:
- Get medical care right away.
- Report the bite to animal control or your local authorities.
- Collect the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information.
- Take photos of your injuries and the scene.
- Get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Talk with a dog bite lawyer about your options.
How a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help
A dog bite injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your legal claim by:
- Investigating the circumstances of the dog bite incident
- Gathering evidence, such as medical records and witness statements
- Consulting medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries
- Calculating the total costs of your injuries for accurate compensation
- Coordinating with law enforcement and animal control officials
- Securing expert testimony to support your case
- Filing all necessary legal documents on time
- Negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company
- Preparing your case for a trial, if necessary
- Representing you in all court appearances
- Challenging any claims by the defense that you provoked the dog
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Dog Bites
All our clients come to us with questions. We’ve answered some of them for you here.
Is the dog owner still liable if the dog was on a leash?
Yes, in many cases. Arizona’s strict liability law can apply even when the dog was leashed, as long as you were not trespassing or provoking the dog. The way the incident happened still matters, especially for negligence claims.
How long do I have to sue after a dog bite in Arizona?
Strict liability dog bite claims usually have a one-year deadline. Negligence claims related to a dog attack typically have a two-year deadline. A lawyer can look at your situation and confirm which time limit applies.
Do I need to report a dog bite in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona law expects people with direct knowledge of a dog bite to report it to county enforcement, such as animal control. Reporting creates a record, helps check vaccination status, and may protect others from future attacks.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Buckeye Today
If you suffered a dog bite injury in Arizona, Gill Law Firm can review the circumstances of your injury and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us take on the legal work while you focus on healing.