Brad Johnson Injury Law

Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer

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Brad Johnson Injury Law Named #1 Personal Injury Lawyer in 2026

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Brad Johnson Injury Law has been named #1 Best Rated Personal Injury Lawyer in 2026 and recognized as a Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyer in 2025.

Brad Johnson Injury Law has received two prestigious accolades recognizing commitment to exceptional client service: the firm has been named the #1 Best Rated Personal Injury Lawyer in 2026 by the Quality Business Awards and ranked among the top three personal injury lawyers in Glendale for 2025 by BusinessRate.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” said Brad Johnson, Founder and Owner of Brad Johnson Injury Law. “Our entire team works tirelessly to provide transparent, affordable legal services to people during an exceptionally vulnerable time in their life. A serious injury can be life-altering, and we see it as our duty to help those who have been harmed by the negligence of others.”

How Rankings Are Determined

The Quality Business Awards recognition places Brad Johnson Injury Law among less than 1% of registered businesses in the United States. Winners are nominated throughout the year and must achieve an overall quality score of 95% or greater based on reputation across Google, Facebook, Yelp, Trust Pilot, and other review platforms in order to be considered.

BusinessRate simultaneously identified Brad Johnson Injury Law as an “outstanding” firm earning third place in Glendale with an overall score of 285. The final determination was exceptionally close, coming down to a two-point difference between the second and third-place winners.

Johnson’s BusinessRate recognition was calculated based on his firm’s 5-star rating over the past 90 days and an all-time average of 4.9 stars, based on more than 450 reviews since 2020.

Client Testimonials for Brad Johnson Injury Law

“This is the best Injury Law Attorney in the State of Arizona. Brad Johnson not only handled my case with unmatched professionalism and integrity, far exceeding my expectations, but he sent me to top notch medical care that helped me recover from injuries I thought would possibly destroy my active lifestyle; Without that proper care, the injuries would have been extremely unbearable. The office staff is amazing, very cordial and effective at communicating and handling the case.” – Alize R. via Google

“I cannot thank Brad Johnson enough for everything he did for me after my accident. From the very beginning, he was professional, compassionate, and truly cared about my situation. He always kept me updated, explained everything in a way I could understand, and made sure I never felt alone during the process. Brad fought hard for me and made sure I got the outcome I deserved.” – Christopher H. via Google

 About Brad Johnson Injury Law

Brad Johnson Injury Law specializes in accident and personal injury claims, protecting clients’ rights against insurance companies seeking minimum settlements. The firm, headquartered at 7448 W Glendale Ave Suite B101 in Glendale, Arizona, offers free consultations to accident injury victims throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Since 1990, Brad Johnson has represented injury victims across the valley, building his firm on compassion and commitment. The firm offers services in English and Spanish and offers free case evaluations 24/7/365. They support clients by meeting them in-person within two hours if the case falls under their legal service offerings. All work is handled on a contingency-fee basis, which means clients do not pay until the firm has won the case. Final attorney fees are set transparently before services are rendered, at a lower rate than other firms in the region (25%, compared to other firms who collect 33.3%).

Contact Brad Johnson for a Free Case Evaluation

Brad Johnson Injury Law serves the entire Phoenix Valley, offering comprehensive legal representation to personal injury victims. Contact the firm directly for a free case evaluation, available 24/7: 602-650-1200.

 

Arizona Bite and Run Laws: What Dog Owners and Bite Victims Need to Know

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A dog bite can turn a peaceful walk into a medical emergency in seconds. Under Arizona’s “Bite and Run Law” (Senate Bill 1241), dog owners face strict criminal penalties if they fail to identify themselves after an attack.

Whether you were bitten at a local park in Surprise, in an Avondale neighborhood, or on private property in Phoenix, understanding your rights under A.R.S. § 11-1025 is essential for your health and any potential legal claim.

What Is Arizona’s “Bite and Run Law”?

Codified under A.R.S. § 11-1025(B), the “Bite and Run Law” makes it illegal for an owner or handler to leave the scene of a dog bite without providing their contact information to the victim (or parent/guardian if the victim is a minor).

Key legal duties include:

  • Immediate Identification: Exchanging contact details on-site.
  • Remaining Present: Staying at the scene unless leaving to seek urgent medical care.
  • Universal Scope: Applies in public spaces (like parks or sidewalks) and on private property.

Criminal Consequences: Failing to exchange details is a Class 2 Misdemeanor. Similar to leaving the scene of a car accident, an owner who flees can face criminal fines, probation, and potential jail time.

Arizona Dog Bite Laws at a Glance

Feature Legal Requirement / Standard
Primary Statute A.R.S. § 11-1025
Owner Duty at Scene Exchange name and contact details immediately.
Criminal Penalty for Leaving Class 2 Misdemeanor (up to 4 months in jail and $750 fine).
Liability Standard Strict Liability (no “one free bite” rule in Arizona).
Mandatory Reporting All bites resulting in injury must be reported to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control.

Why the Law Matters for Bite Victims

In rapidly growing communities across Phoenix’s West Valley, dog bite incidents present significant public health risks:

  1. Rabies & Medical Verification: Immediate contact details allow health officials to verify rabies vaccination status, avoiding unnecessary and costly post-exposure treatments for victims.
  2. Strict Liability Civil Claims: Under state law, owners are financially responsible for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, regardless of whether the dog showed prior aggression.

What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog in the West Valley

If you or a loved one is attacked, take these steps to protect your health and legal claim:

  1. Obtain Contact Details Immediately: Request the owner’s full name, phone number, address, and proof of rabies vaccination.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Visit an emergency room or urgent care center immediately.
  3. Report the Incident: File an official bite report with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control or local police.
  4. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Contact a dog bite lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters.

How Brad Johnson Injury Law Protects West Valley Victims

Recovering from a severe dog bite requires focused medical treatment, not stressful battles with insurance companies. Brad Johnson Injury Law brings over 25 years of experience fighting for injury victims across the West Valley.

  • We Come to You in 2 Hours: If we believe we can help you with your case, we’ll come to you for a face-to-face meeting with an attorney within 2 hours at your home, office, or hospital room.
  • No Win, No Fee: You pay zero legal fees unless we win your case.
  • Lower Fees, Maximum Compensation: We keep our fees competitive so more money goes directly to your recovery.

Call Brad Johnson Injury Law 24/7 at (602)650-1200 or fill out our form for a free case evaluation.

Arizona Dog Bite Law FAQs

What Does Arizona Dog Bite Law Say About Euthanasia? 

In Arizona, a dog is not automatically euthanized after biting a person. Under A.R.S. § 11-1014, the default process involves a mandatory 10-day rabies quarantine.

Euthanasia only occurs under specific legal conditions:

  • Vicious Animal Order: A magistrate or justice of the peace can order euthanasia only after a formal hearing determines the animal poses a severe, continuing danger to the public.
  • Medical / Rabies Testing: County enforcement agents may humanely euthanize a quarantined animal prior to 10 days if the animal shows active signs of rabies or if the owner provides written consent for rabies testing.

How Do I Report a Dog Bite? 

Under A.R.S. § 11-1014(E), any dog bite must be reported immediately to the local animal control enforcement agency.

For West Valley residents in Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale, or Buckeye:

  1. Contact Animal Control: File a bite report directly with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) online or by calling (602) 506-7387.
  2. Local West Valley Facility: Physical reports and quarantine processing are managed through MCACC’s West Valley Shelter (10605 W Rio Vista Blvd, Peoria, AZ 85345).
  3. Dispatch Law Enforcement: If the attack occurs in a public park or the owner refuses to exchange information (violating Arizona’s Bite and Run Law / SB 1241), call local police immediately.

What Will the Police Do If Your Dog Bites Someone? 

When law enforcement responds to a dog bite in Arizona, their role depends on the circumstances of the attack:

  • Investigate Criminal Violations: Officers verify if the owner complied with A.R.S. § 11-1025(B) (SB 1241) by staying at the scene and exchanging information. If an owner flees, police can press Class 2 Misdemeanor criminal charges.
  • Enforce Local Leash Laws: If the dog was unrestrained in a public space, officers may issue citations for leash law violations.
  • Coordinate Quarantine: Police will complete an incident report and transfer the bite log to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control to initiate mandatory rabies quarantine protocols. Police generally do not seize or shoot a pet on the spot unless the animal presents an active, ongoing threat to human life.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite? 

Arizona law requires that dog bites be reported immediately to local animal control authorities by anyone with direct knowledge of the incident (A.R.S. § 11-1014(E)).

Filing an Injury Claim (Statute of Limitations):

  • 1 Year (Strict Liability): To hold the owner liable under Arizona’s strict liability statute (A.R.S. § 11-1025), you must file a lawsuit within 1 year of the bite date (A.R.S. § 12-541).
  • 2 Years (Common Law Negligence): A general negligence claim carries a 2-year deadline (A.R.S. § 12-542), but requires proving the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous.

What Is Your Liability If Your Dog Bit Another Dog? 

Arizona’s strict liability dog bite statute (A.R.S. § 11-1025) applies specifically to attacks on human beings, not property or pets. However, dog-on-dog attacks carry significant legal consequences under Fabian’s Law and property damage laws:

Liability Type Legal Exposure & Consequences
Criminal Liability Under Arizona’s Fabian’s Law, an owner whose dog attacks and injures or kills another domestic animal can be charged with a Class 1 Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 in fines).
Civil Compensation Pets are classified as personal property under Arizona law. The attacking dog’s owner is financially responsible for all emergency veterinary bills, medication costs, and property damages caused during the attack.
Human Injury Extension If a pet owner is bitten or knocked over while trying to protect their pet from an attacking dog, strict liability applies to the human’s injuries.

 

Service Dog Bites: Your Comprehensive Legal Guide for Arizona

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Service dogs receive a higher level of training than most household pets, but that doesn’t mean they never bite. Although it’s less common with a service dog than a household pet, dog bite attacks are always serious. If you are ever attacked by a service dog in Arizona, the law is on your side. Strict dog bite liability laws in AZ are written to protect victims of service dog bites and prevent repeat attacks

In Arizona, the law is not forgiving when it comes to dog bite injuries. The owner is almost always at fault for the dangerous misbehavior of their service dog. These attacks are often sudden and without warning. You can’t always prevent a vicious dog, but knowing your rights keeps you a step ahead.

Use this blog to learn key definitions and steps to take after a dog bite incident.

What is Considered a Service Dog in Arizona?

Arizona service animal laws align with definitions and statutes outlined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). A service animal is usually a dog (or in rare cases, a miniature horse) that is trained to help with specific tasks. In Arizona, service animals are required to be non-aggressive and under control of their owner by a harness, leash, or voice command. 

Since service dogs are considered medical equipment, they can go anywhere without restriction and, contrary to popular belief, do not require any certification or special ID–owners don’t need to carry any sort of registration for their service animal.

Emotional support animals are not the same as service animals. They do not have the same access.

What Should You Do if a Service Animal Attacks?

Follow these steps if a service dog bites:

  1. Seek Medical Attention

    Don’t delay treatment if you’re wounded by a dog bite. Make sure your provider is keeping detailed documentation of the severity of the bite, your treatment plan, and any possible long-term outcomes of the injury.

  2. Report the Dog Bite

    Arizona dog bite laws require anyone with “direct knowledge” of the dog bite incident to report it to animal control immediately. That includes owners, victims, witnesses, and potentially doctors treating the bite.

  3. Collect Evidence

    Take pictures, videos and even audio recordings. Building a strong case requires strong evidence. Pictures of your wound, the dog that bit you, the dog’s owner, and your surroundings could all come in handy later on.

  4. Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer

    Consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, ideally within a few days or a week. An experienced dog bite attorney can provide invaluable guidance and legal counseling to get your claim started, build out your case, and maximize your compensation.

Properly trained service animals are less likely to attack unprovoked, which is why you’ll need a team of dog bite lawsuit specialists to build an air-tight case. 

Service Dog Bite Liability: Who’s to Blame?

All service animals must be under control of their handler, which is usually the dog’s owner. Although service dogs are protected by disability laws, state laws prioritize public safety above all else. The law is clear: the service dog handler is liable for any damages caused by a service animal or service animal-in-training.

There are no laws protecting a service dog that bites or attacks. All dog bites in Arizona are considered equally under the state’s strict liability laws. Civil statutes are written to protect dog bite victims and assign liability to the dog’s owner or handler. 

It’s rare that anyone other than the owner is liable after a dog attack, but it can happen. If the dog owner or service dog handler can prove that a dog bite victim intentionally provoked the dog, they might not be fully liable for all damages caused. This is why it’s so important to document the incident as much as possible!

Compensation After a Service Dog Bites in AZ

Yes, you can file a claim and seek compensation after a service dog attacks you. The exact details of your claim will determine the actual payout. This is often covered by individual homeowner or renter insurance, but actual policy coverage can vary.

The number of dog bite personal injury claims is on the rise, and average claim value has skyrocketed in recent years. The average dollar value of dog injury claims increased from $58,545 in 2023 to $69,272 2024 (that’s an 18.3% change!), according to the Insurance Information Institute.

The latest study by the III mentions two key reasons for the increase:

  • Higher medical costs
  • Upward trend in total settlements awarded

Tangible and intangible losses are both included as part of compensation calculations. The best way to maximize your settlement after a dog bite attack is to work with a personal injury attorney. 

Tangible Economic Losses

Medical costs, lost wages, and personal property damage are relatively straightforward calculations that go into final claim determinations. These are tangible losses, meaning their is a simple dollar amount assigned to each loss. 

Medical costs consider all treatments related to the dog bite, including the cost of emergency care, surgeries, follow-up treatment, ongoing treatments, and any future costs. 

Intangible losses

Although they are called “intangible,” these losses are very real. After a traumatic dog bite incident, you are compensated not only for the actual money spent to remediate the injury, but also for the long-term effects you may experience. 

Pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement, and general loss of enjoyment of life are all weighed on a case-by-case basis. 

Looking for Dog Bite Lawsuit Specialists?

You shouldn’t have to take on a complex dog bite case on your own. The complexities of the legal system as well as your individual case can feel overwhelming without the right support.

Contact the legal experts at Brad Johnson Injury Law for a free consultation today. 

Dog Bites and Lawsuits

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Fatal dog bite accidents in Arizona

We all love our dogs and consider them to be a part of the family unit.  Unfortunately, there are approximately 4.5 million dog bite victims every year in the United States. Almost 50% of all victims are children under the age of 12.

If you, or someone you know, is bitten, it is imperative that you have the bite checked out by a medical provider as soon as possible. Dogs can be a host to several bacterial and viral infections that you can contract, such as ringworm. Many dog bite victims suffer permanent scarring and consult with plastic surgeons. While scarring can be minimized by plastic surgery, most victims are still left with permanent residual scarring. In addition to physical injuries, many dog bite victims experience emotional trauma, lower self-esteem from visible scarring, and a lifetime fear of dogs.

In Arizona, most dog bite attacks are strict liability cases. The owner of the dog is liable for the dog’s actions whether they knew the dog was dangerous or not.  Anytime their dog bites someone they are held liable no matter the situation or circumstances. The only defense to imposing strict liability is if the dog bite victim provoked the dog into biting.  In other types of injury cases, the victim has to prove negligence in order to receive compensation.

Dog bite claims based on strict liability have a one-year statute of limitations. Subject to several exceptions, a dog bite victim must file a lawsuit within 1 year from the date of loss or his/her strict liability claim may be barred forever. Claims based on a dog owner’s negligence have a two-year statute of limitations.

Dog bite victims are typically compensated for their injuries by the dog owner’s homeowners policy. If the victim or the parents of the victim are contacted by an insurance carrier, please do not sign any document. You may be jeopardizing your health and signing away your legal rights. Since 1996, Brad Johnson Injury Law has successfully handled numerous cases involving dog bite attacks.

Please contact us immediately at (602) 650-1200 so we can compile evidence and maximize your damage recovery.

What To Know About Dog Bite Lawsuits

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While dogs may be our best friends, some dogs can become aggressive and bite someone. Dogs that bite can do it for a number of reasons. Perhaps the dog has always had an aggressive nature and perceives you as an unwanted stranger. Historically, there are certain breeds that have been known to harbor aggression. The Pit Bull breed is a common example.

The dog’s breed is only one factor and doesn’t always mean the dog will be aggressive and prone to biting. You might encounter a dog that has been healthy in the past and free from offensive behavior. However, now the dog has suffered from a health illness such as rabies. Rabies can cause dogs to become disoriented and lash out by biting people. A classic sign of rabies is drooling and foaming of the mouth.

If you are bitten it is imperative that you have your bite checked out at the hospital as soon as possible. Dogs can be a host to several bacterial and viral infections that you can contract such as ring worm. Make sure however, that you remember the type of breed to help a doctor assess the injury and proper treatment. Write down the contact information of the dog’s owner should you need to make a claim later.

The owner is liable for their dog’s actions whether they knew the dog was dangerous or not. Anytime their dog bites someone they are held liable no matter the situation or circumstances.

On the flip side of the coin is to view this from the dog owner’s perspective. Let’s say the dog owner had prior knowledge that their dog may be dangerous or may bite someone. The owner then took protective measures to keep his dog in a secure area. He also had placed “Beware of Dog” signs on his property and has warned others not to approach his dog as the dog may attack. The owner had done all this, but someone didn’t listen or even provoked the dog on purpose.
If the owner has provided these safety precautions they are sometimes not liable due to “contributory negligence”. “Contributory negligence” means that the person who was bitten understood the dangerousness of the animal, but proceeded to place themselves in the dog’s environment anyway. This type of dog bite lawsuit often ends in favor of the dog owner.

If you do file a dog bite lawsuit you can sue for compensation of medical costs incurred,  any permanent scarring, pain and suffering, property damage, and affected wages. A vicious dog bite can leave you unable to work for some time and you need a way to recoup your losses.