Arizona Dog Bite Law

Arizona Dog Bite Law Attorney

Phoenix Leash Law and Dog Owner Liability

Since 1974, our Phoenix law firm — Solomon & Relihan — has been helping personal injury victims throughout Arizona. We offer thorough and effective legal representation for people injured by dog bites and animal attacks.

As experienced attorneys, we can help you understand the law regarding dog bites. We will work closely with you to create a legal plan of action that meets your needs while taking probable outcomes into account.

Arizona’s Dog Bite Law (A.R.S. § 11-1025)

Arizona law is designed to protect dog bite victims. It recognizes very nearly strict liability for dog bites. Under the law, the owner of a dog that bites someone is responsible for damages suffered by the person bitten — regardless of whether the dog had bitten someone before.

Provocation of the attack by the injured person — like teasing the dog or throwing things at it, for an example — is a defense that dog owners often use in court. People who provoke a dog while trespassing on private property may have a more difficult time holding dog owners accountable for a dog’s actions. However, they should still contact the lawyers at Solomon & Relihan to learn about their options.

Arizona “Dog at Large”/Leash laws (A.R.S. § 11-1012 and A.R.S. § 11-1020)

Dog owners or other people responsible for the dog at the time also have full responsibility for injuries caused by their dogs while the dog was not on a leash or confined by an enclosure.

Leash laws are different for dangerous dogs. Vicious dogs are not permitted in public without leashes. No dogs are allowed in public parks or on public school property unless they are physically restrained by a leash, cage or other enclosure, or are being exhibited or trained at a recognized kennel event, public school, or park sponsored event.

Injured by a Dog Bite? You Only Have a Limited Time to Take Action.

The time limit set by the Arizona Legislature — the statute of limitations — for filing a lawsuit based on the “dog bite” or “dog at large” statutes is one year. However, if a year has passed, you still may be able to take action based on the common law. Talk to your lawyer about the unique circumstances of your case.

The best approach is to act quickly. Talk to the lawyers at Solomon & Relihan about your options under Arizona dog bite and leash laws. For a free initial consultation, contact our Phoenix law office. Home and hospital visits are available for your convenience.