Dog Bite Lawyer in Tucson, AZ
Arizona is a strict liability state for dog bites (ARS 11-1020). One year to file under the strict-liability statute. Free consultation.
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Arizona’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Statute
Under ARS 11-1020, a dog owner is liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or where the victim was lawfully present — regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. There is no “one free bite” rule in Arizona. The only real defense is provocation (ARS 11-1027), and it is difficult to establish against children.
Dog Bite Context in Tucson
Tucson’s urban layout, large park system, and extensive residential neighborhoods — from the Rincon Valley area in the east to the Marana area in the northwest — create frequent dog encounter situations. Reid Park, Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park (East and West), and the urban trail networks throughout Tucson all see regular off-leash or improperly leashed dog activity. Pima County Animal Care (4000 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson) handles animal control; Tucson PD and Pima County Sheriff handle serious bite incidents depending on jurisdiction. Civil claims file in Pima County Superior Court; Tucson City Court (103 E Alameda St, Tucson) handles smaller claims.
Key Arizona Statutes
- ARS 11-1020 — Strict liability: owner liable regardless of prior bite history
- ARS 11-1027 — Provocation defense: difficult to establish against children
- ARS 11-1028 — 1-year statute of limitations for the strict-liability claim
- ARS 12-542 — 2-year statute of limitations for a parallel negligence claim
What You Can Recover
- Emergency and follow-up medical treatment
- Scarring and disfigurement, including plastic surgery costs
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Steps After a Dog Bite in Tucson
- Seek medical treatment immediately — dog bites carry serious infection risk
- Report the bite to Pima County Animal Care (520-724-5900)
- Get the dog owner’s name, address, and proof of vaccination
- Photograph the wound before treatment if possible
- Document everything: medical visits, wound photos, emotional impact on children
- Call Wood Injury Law: (480) 306-8636
Our Fee Structure
Contingency fee. No fee unless we win. No upfront costs.
Related Pages
- Tucson Car Accident Lawyer
- Tucson Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Tucson Personal Injury Lawyer
- Arizona Dog Bite Law Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the dog need a prior bite history for the owner to be liable in Arizona?
No. ARS 11-1020 is strict liability. No prior bite history required. The owner is liable if the bite occurred in a public place or where the victim was lawfully present.
What is the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim in Arizona?
1 year for the strict-liability claim (ARS 11-1028). 2 years for a parallel negligence claim (ARS 12-542). Both should be filed together before the 1-year mark.
What if a child was bitten?
Children are the most common dog bite victims. The provocation defense (ARS 11-1027) is very difficult to establish against young children. Scarring and disfigurement in children warrants significantly higher damages.
Who pays a dog bite claim?
Most claims run through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters liability insurance. Even if the insurer denies coverage for a breed exclusion, the owner remains personally liable.
Ready to Talk?
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Speak directly with Josh Wood.