Dog Bite Claim Period

The state of Arizona has a strict liability statute that limits the period for filing a dog bite claim to one year, but this deadline extends to two years in a negligence-based dog bite claim. So, it’s important to find a qualified and experienced Phoenix dog bite lawyer to review your case and advise you on when and how to file the claim.

Knowing how these limitations can affect your case will help you take action at the appointed time. In this article, we’ll discuss the timelines for filing a dog bite claim in Arizona.

Dog Bite Claim Timelines in Arizona

What’s the Timeline for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Arizona?

A dog attack can leave you with serious physical and emotional injuries, some of which may alter your life completely. This is why you need to file a claim immediately for compensation from the people responsible for the attack.

While a dog bite settlement works almost the same way as a semi-truck accident compensation, the time you have to file the claim is limited, and you need to be aware of it to avoid disappointment.

Strict Liability Law

Arizona’s strict liability law on dog bites favors the victims because it holds the dog owner responsible for the attack, even when a dog has never shown signs of violence before. However, you must file your claim within one year after the bite.

There are instances when the strict liability rule doesn’t apply. For example, your dog bite claim may be declared invalid if you provoke the dog or trespass on someone’s property. This statute is meant for victims of dog attacks that happen in public places or on private properties that they have legal access to.

While the dog owner bears the greatest responsibility, other people, like dog trainers, walkers, and sitters, can also be held liable if the attack happens when the dog is in their care.

Therefore, you need an experienced attorney to help you investigate the case and determine who is responsible for the dog bite.

Statute of Limitations

Unlike the strict liability law, the statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the dog attack to file a negligence claim. This Arizona dog bite statute also covers the one-bite rule, which recognizes the dog owner’s carelessness, especially if they’re aware of their dog’s aggressive behavior.

Failure to file your claim within the two years will likely result in the dismissal of your case, and you’ll lose the right to pursue compensation for the injuries. One of the main reasons for hiring an attorney is to help you understand the timelines and speed up the investigations for a timely filing of the claim.

Moving Forward

When a dog bites you in Arizona, you have a maximum of two years to file a claim, depending on the nature of the attack. Your claim should be filed within a year if it falls under the strict liability law, while the statute of limitations gives you a two-year deadline.

Gage Mathers has a team of experienced attorneys ready to help you understand these legal aspects and file your claim immediately to get full compensation. Reach out for a free consultation today!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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