Dog Bite Lawyer in Glendale, AZ
Arizona is a strict liability state for dog bites (ARS 11-1020). No prior bite history required. 1-year filing window under the strict-liability statute.
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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 meaningful defense is provocation (ARS 11-1027), which is very difficult to establish, especially against children.
Dog Bite Context in Glendale
Glendale is a densely populated city with extensive residential neighborhoods throughout its footprint from the 51st Avenue corridor west through Dysart. The master-planned communities around Arrowhead — including the areas near Arrowhead Country Club, the Bell Road commercial zone, and the Arrowhead Towne Center — combine high dog ownership rates with dense pedestrian and retail foot traffic. Murphy Park, Foothills Park, and the trail systems along the New River and Skunk Creek crossings generate regular off-leash dog incidents. The Westgate Entertainment District and State Farm Stadium area produce bite incidents on shared pedestrian plazas and connecting paths during events and everyday use. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control responds to dog bite reports in Glendale; Glendale PD handles serious incidents. Civil claims file in Maricopa County Superior Court.
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 during treatment and recovery
- Pain and suffering
Steps After a Dog Bite in Glendale
- Seek medical treatment immediately — infection risk from dog bites is serious
- Report the bite to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control
- Get the dog owner’s name, address, and vaccination documentation
- Photograph wounds before treatment if possible
- Document everything: all medical visits, wound photos, impact on daily life and children
- Call Wood Injury Law: (480) 306-8636
Our Fee Structure
Contingency fee. No fee unless we win. No upfront costs.
Related Pages
- Glendale Car Accident Lawyer
- Glendale Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Glendale Wrongful Death 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.