Scott A. McKay Attorney

Dog Bites / Animal Attacks


I have been very successful in obtaining significant compensation over the past thirty years for many individuals who have been injured or bitten by dogs.

Arizona law provides very strong protections for adults and children who get bitten or who are injured by a dog whether on or off a leash.  The following Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S) provide for “Strict Liability” against a dog owner or other person responsible for the animal at the time of the attack:

ARS § 11-1025A provides that the owner of a dog which bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of it viciousness. 

ARS § 11-1020 provides that injury to any person or damage to any property by a dog while at large shall be the full responsibility of the dog owner or person or persons responsible for the dog when such damages were inflicted.

Importantly, in order to utilize the legal benefit of a claim against a dog owner for “Strict Liability”, a civil cause of action must be filed within ONE year of the incident.  Otherwise,   there is a general two year statute of limitations within which a civil action must be filed in Court in order to make a common law “negligence claim” against the owner of the animal.  Keep in mind that if your claim is not filed in a timely fashion you will lose your rights to seek compensation.

Damages that are recoverable in a law suit arising out of a dog bite or other dog caused injury include but are not limited to: 1) Medical expenses both incurred in the past and those likely to be needed in the future such as plastic surgery/scar revision procedures, psychological counseling for emotional harm and post traumatic stress conditions; 2) Lost wages and income, and  3) Pain, suffering and life disruption caused by the dog attack.

At this firm, my professional staff and I investigate and prosecute dog bite and dog at large injury cases immediately and file our client’s lawsuit within one year in order to obtain the benefit of both strict liability and negligence causes of action.

Most importantly, if you, a family member or a friend is bitten or injured by a dog (or any other animal), seek immediate medical attention.  It is advisable to take numerous photographs of any injures that you or your loved ones have suffered.  Photographs of the initial injuries and continuing throughout medical treatment and scar revision procedures provide for the most vivid record of injuries and damages.  Finally, please give me a call on my cell  @ 602-790-3962  as early as possible so I can help guide you through this difficult time.


Scott A. McKay Attorney

7601 North 22nd Place
Phoenix, Arizona 85020

Scott's Cell/Emergency #
602-790-3962

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