Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer
Phoenix is home to thousands of pet dogs, some of which can be downright dangerous. The city has the second-highest number of dog-owning households among metro areas. Around 782,000 homes in the Valley have at least one dog, making up 43% of the 1.8 million households in Maricopa County.
When a dog attack happens, victims don’t just suffer bites and bruises; they face deep wounds, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. In the worst cases, a dog attack can be fatal.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Phoenix dog bite attorneys hold reckless dog owners accountable and fight to get victims the compensation they need to heal, recover, and move forward.
Why Phoenix Trusts Us to Win Dog Bite Cases
- You’re Not Just a Case But a Person. A dog attack isn’t just a statistic. It’s your life that was changed by a single bite. We listen, strategize, and build a strong case to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
- We Handle the Legal Mess; You Focus on Healing. From investigating the attack to dealing with insurance companies, we take care of everything so you don’t have to.
- No Win, No Fee. No Worries. Worried about legal fees? Don’t be. You pay nothing unless we win. There are no hidden fees, no financial risk—just actual results.
- 50 Years of Winning Tough Cases. With nearly $2 billion recovered, our experience, resources, and reputation speak for themselves. We know how to fight. And we know how to win.
What a Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer Does for You
A dog attack leaves you in pain, out of work, and drowning in medical bills. With all the consequences of a dog attack, you may think filing a case is just another inconvenience and wonder, “Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite?”
Unfortunately, while you are fighting to get your life back on track, the insurance companies will be ready to downplay your injuries or deny your claim altogether. This can be disappointing, especially if you trust that insurance companies have your interest at heart. They don’t; after all, they are businesses first.
That’s why it is crucial to attorneys for dog bites who will take the fight off your plate so you can focus on healing. While you recover, they will ensure the liable party is held accountable, and you get FAIR compensation for your losses.
Here’s what a dog attack lawyer does to win your case:
- We Investigate & Build a Rock-Solid Case. Dog bite accident attorneys gather critical evidence, such as reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements, to prove you deserve maximum compensation.
- We Handle All Legal Formalities. From filing claims to notifying the proper authorities to formally serving the at-fault party, your legal team will take care of every step.
- We Take on Insurance Companies. Adjusters love to downplay injuries and minimize payouts. A dog bite injury lawyer knows their tactics and shuts them down. You get what you deserve.
- We’re Ready to Go to Court. Your legal expert will take them to trial if insurance won’t pay up. They don’t back down, and neither should you.
You didn’t ask for this and shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence. Let us handle the battle while you focus on getting your life back. Call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 562-573-8875 for a FREE consultation.
Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me
Set an appointment for a visit: Phoenix Office – Larry H. Parker Accident Attorneys
Address: 2001 W Camelback Rd Suite 145, Phoenix, AZ 85015, United States
Phone Number: +1 602-340-0030
OPEN 24/7
Bitten in Phoenix? Here’s What You Need to Do
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- Move to a Safe Area: Put distance between you and the dog immediately to prevent further harm. Find a safe spot behind a barrier or inside a building.
- Clean the Wound: Wash the bite with soap and warm water to minimize the risk of infection. If it is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
- Get Medical Help: Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, or even rabies. A doctor can properly clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics, and determine if additional treatment is necessary.
- Report the Attack: Contact Phoenix Animal Control or local authorities. Reporting ensures the dog’s vaccination status is checked and helps prevent future attacks.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack, obtain witness statements, and collect the dog owner’s contact information.
- Call a Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer: You shouldn’t have to shoulder the medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. A skilled dog bite attorney can prove liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs attack for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it is your fault. Here’s why bites happen:
- Fear or Feeling Threatened – Some dogs panic when startled or cornered.
- Protecting Their Territory – Dogs can get defensive over their home, food, or owners.
- Pain or Illness – A sick or injured dog may lash out unexpectedly.
- Lack of Training – Poorly socialized dogs may not know how to behave around people.
- High Prey Drive – Quick movements can trigger a chase or attack instinct.
- Negligent Owners – Many bites happen because owners fail to leash, train, or control their dogs.
No one should suffer because of an irresponsible pet owner. Arizona law holds them accountable, and so do we.
Should I Report a Dog Bite?
It should be reported if a dog bites or attacks a person or animal in Maricopa County. File online using the bite or attack on a person form or the attack on an animal form, or call 602-506-7387 to report it by phone.
Here’s why you should report a dog bite:
- It Creates an Official Record – A report strengthens your case if you need to take legal action.
- It Helps Prevent Future Attacks – Authorities can investigate and take necessary safety measures.
- It Ensures Proper Medical Care – Professionals can assess infection risks like rabies and provide treatment.
Understanding Your Rights After a Dog Bite Incident in Phoenix
To determine if you have the right to compensation, there are several laws governing dog attack that you must understand and how it affects your eligibility to file a claim.
Arizona’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
In Arizona, dog owners are automatically responsible if their dog bites someone in public or on private property where the victim had a right to be. Unlike states with a “one-bite” rule, Arizona’s strict liability law (ARS 11-1025) means an owner is liable even if their dog has never bitten anyone before.
Overall, dog owners are liable when:
- An individual owned the dog.
- That dog bit you.
- The owner failed to control their dog, leading to the attack.
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property.
Exceptions to the Rule
The strict liability law is not applicable to:
- Police and military dogs acting in the line of duty.
- Trespassers or those unlawfully on private property.
- Provocation – If the victim provoked the dog, the owner may not be liable.
Dog Bite on a Private Property
In Arizona, dog owners are responsible for bites that happen when a person is lawfully on their property. According to ARS 11-1026, you’re legally present if you’re there by invitation or for business purposes. Note that this is not applicable if you’re trespassing or breaking the law.
Who’s Considered Lawfully Present?
- Guests – Friends, family, and invited visitors
- Workers – Postal carriers, delivery drivers, utility workers
- Public officials – Meter readers, inspectors, and emergency responders
Other Ways to Hold Owners Accountable
Even if you weren’t bitten, you may still have a claim:
- Dog-at-Large Law (ARS 11-1020) – If an unleashed dog knocks someone over, the owner may be liable.
- Negligence Claims – If an owner fails to control their dog, leading to an attack, they can be sued for negligence.
- Phoenix City Ordinance Violations – Owners must leash dogs in public and secure them at home. Breaking these rules could mean legal consequences.
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite or attack, you deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. However, with all the factors to consider when pursuing a case, managing the legal process can be overwhelming, especially while recovery. A Phoenix dog bite lawyer can assess the situation, gather evidence and prove liability when handling your claim on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Arizona?
The statute of limitations set the allowed timeframe for filing a case for a dog attack. Note that missing the deadline could cost you your right to compensation. So, it is best to know when you should pursue a case:
- Strict Liability Claims – 1 Year Deadline (ARS 12-541)
If you’re filing under Arizona’s strict liability dog bite law, you have just 12 months to take legal action. - Negligence Claims – 2 Year Deadline (ARS 12-542)
If you miss the strict liability deadline, you might still have a case under negligence law—which gives you two years to sue the responsible party. - Cases Involving Minors – Until Age 20 (ARS 12-502)
If the victim is under 18, the clock doesn’t start ticking until they are 18, giving them until age 20 to file. Parents, however, can file on behalf of their child at any time.
Remember, if you miss these deadlines, your case will likely be dismissed, meaning no compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. A dog bite attorney can help you take action before time runs out.
What Compensation Can I Get After a Dog Bite in Phoenix, AZ?
If someone else’s dog attacked you, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial losses and emotional suffering.
Economic Damages – The tangible costs that receipts and other documentation can back.
- Medical Bills – ER visits, surgeries, medications, and rehab.
- Lost Wages – If you missed work while recovering.
- Future Lost Income – If your injury affects your ability to work.
- Property Damage – Torn clothing, broken glasses, or other damaged items.
- Wrongful Death Expenses – Funeral costs (if a loved one was fatally attacked).
Non-Economic Damages– The emotional and psychological impact of the bite, such as.
- Pain and Suffering – The physical toll of your injuries.
- Emotional Distress – Anxiety, PTSD, or a newfound fear of dogs.
- Disfigurement and Scarring – Permanent marks or injuries that affect your confidence.
- Loss of Companionship – If you lost a loved one in a fatal dog attack.
While medical bills are easy to add up, emotional trauma is more challenging to measure. A Phoenix dog bite lawyer ensures you get full compensation. You deserve not just for your current damage costs but for the lasting impact of the dog bite on your life.
What Happens If the Dog Owner Insists that I Provoked the Dog?
Under ARS 11-1027, a dog owner isn’t responsible for a bite if a reasonable person would agree that the victim’s actions provoked the dog. The following scenarios can be seen as provocation:
- Hitting or teasing the dog
- Pulling its tail or ears
- Approaching a mother dog with puppies
- Startling a sleeping or injured dog
Hence, if an owner claims you provoked the dog, they could avoid liability and you lose your right to compensation.
What If the Dog That Bit Me Belongs to a Friend or Family Member?
It’s an uncomfortable situation, but you should still file a claim.
Remember that filing a claim is about ensuring you get the necessary proper medical care and recovery. In most cases, homeowners’ or renters’ insurance covers dog bite claims, not the dog owner personally. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress shouldn’t fall on you or your family.
If you’re concerned about how this might affect your relationship, remember: holding someone accountable doesn’t mean punishing them. We handle these situations with professionalism and care so you can focus on healing.
Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers Who Fight for You
A dog bite can instantly cause painful injuries, hefty medical bills, lost work, and stress you didn’t ask for. But you don’t have to deal with this alone.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ve spent nearly 50 years helping people like you and have won over $2 billion for injury victims. We know how to stand up to tough insurance companies and make sure you get the money you deserve.
Call us today at 562-573-8875 for a FREE consultation. Let’s fight for your recovery together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Protect Your Legal Interests if You Are Bitten by an Emotional Support Dog
- How to Handle a Dog Bite Injury When the Dog’s Owner is a Close Friend
- Who is Responsible for Your Damages if You Are Bitten by a Dog While it is Under the Care of a Dog Sitter?
- Are People with Certain Dispositions More Likely to Be Bitten?
Directory
Here are essential personal injury resources in Phoenix, AZ, that can help you in case of accident emergencies:
EMERGENCY HOSPITALS
- St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center – 350 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
- Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix – 1111 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006
- Banner Estrella Medical Center – 9201 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85037
- Emergency Room at Arizona General Hospital Ahwatukee – Phoenix, AZ – 4328 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048
URGENT CARE CENTERS
- NextCare Urgent Care Phoenix – 8101 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
- HonorHealth Urgent Care – Phoenix – Thomas – 4501 E Thomas Rd Ste 101, Phoenix, AZ 85018
- Banner Urgent Care – 4200 E Camelback Rd Ste 106, Phoenix, AZ 85018
COURTHOUSES
- Maricopa County Superior Courthouse – 101 W Madison St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Phoenix Municipal Court – 300 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County – 201 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Disclaimer: We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing them on our website.