If you were bitten by a dog in Arizona, you may already be dealing with medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about what happens next. The last thing you want is another large expense.
The good news is that hiring a lawyer does not usually require a large payment upfront. In many dog bite cases, an Arizona dog bite lawyer is paid only if compensation is recovered for you.
That is the approach we follow at Torgenson Law: the initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront attorney fees.
Unlike many legal services that bill by the hour, personal injury attorneys usually work under a contingency fee agreement.
That means:
This structure allows injured victims to pursue a claim without needing thousands of dollars to hire a lawyer.
You can learn more about Torgenson Law’s approach to fees through our Fair Fee Guarantee page.
Most Arizona personal injury firms charge a percentage of the compensation recovered in the case.
At Torgenson Law, the fee is 33% when a dog bite case resolves before litigation. If the case proceeds further, that percentage may increase under the terms of the representation agreement.
Here is what a 33% fee would look like at different settlement amounts:
| Settlement Amount | Contingency Fee |
| $15,000 | $4,950 |
| $25,000 | $8,250 |
| $45,000 | $14,850 |
| $75,000 | $24,750 |
| $125,000 | $41,250 |
| $150,000 | $49,500 |
For example, if an Arizona dog bite claim settles for $75,000 before litigation, the attorney fee would be $24,750.
Case expenses, such as obtaining records, expert opinions, or court filings, may be separate from attorney fees. A good lawyer should clearly explain how both fees and costs are handled before you sign a representation agreement.
Litigation requires more attorney time, court filings, evidence gathering, and trial preparation. Any possible fee increase should be clearly explained in writing before representation begins.
A case may become more complex if settlement negotiations fail and a lawsuit has to be filed. From there, the attorney may need to conduct discovery, take depositions, gather additional evidence, and work with medical or other expert witnesses.
Some cases also require preparation for mediation or arbitration, and others may ultimately proceed to trial or even an appeal. Each of these stages involves substantially more legal work than resolving a claim through pre-litigation negotiations.
The fee percentage is determined by the contingency agreement, but the seriousness of the injuries can affect how complex the case becomes and how much compensation may be available.
Minor dog bite injuries may include puncture wounds, bruising, small lacerations, soft tissue injuries, or minor infections. Even these injuries can require antibiotics, tetanus shots, follow-up appointments, or time away from work.
More serious dog attacks can cause deep puncture wounds, severe lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, and serious infections. Some victims may also experience permanent scarring, facial injuries, or loss of function in the affected area.
In the most severe cases, treatment can involve reconstructive surgery, while the emotional impact of the attack may lead to anxiety, psychological trauma, or PTSD.
Claims involving these kinds of harm may require additional medical evidence and expert analysis to assess long-term effects and future damages.
You can learn more in our guide to dog bite injury levels and compensation.
A contingency fee arrangement makes legal representation accessible even if you cannot afford to pay a lawyer upfront. In most cases, you can begin without a retainer, hourly billing, or upfront legal fees, and you typically do not pay attorney fees while the case is pending.
A free consultation with a dog bite attorney also gives you the opportunity to discuss your case before deciding whether to move forward.
It can be especially helpful to speak with a lawyer early, while evidence such as photographs, witness information, medical records, surveillance footage, and animal-control reports is easier to preserve.
For a closer look at the types of documentation that may strengthen a claim, read our guide to evidence needed in dog bite cases.
Insurance companies may try to reduce what they pay by questioning the seriousness of your injuries, disputing medical treatment, or making an early settlement offer before the full impact of the attack is known.
An experienced animal attack lawyer can step in early to investigate what happened, gather medical and other records, preserve important evidence, and identify any available insurance coverage. That can be especially important when the full extent of the injuries or their long-term effects is still unclear.
Your attorney can also help calculate current and future damages, handle negotiations with insurance adjusters, and file a lawsuit and pursue the case through litigation if necessary.
Having an attorney handle the legal process also allows you to focus more of your attention on recovering. For many families, that means less time dealing with insurance companies and case strategy while they are still coping with the physical and emotional effects of the attack, which is one reason legal support can ease some of the stress after a dog bite.
At Torgenson Law, we understand that dog bite injuries can affect much more than your immediate medical treatment. Scarring, pain, nerve damage, and psychological trauma may continue long after the attack.
Our firm has obtained significant results for injured clients, including a $1.05 million settlement for a client who suffered facial scarring after a dog attack. That result is one example of the cases we have handled, and you can explore additional outcomes on our case results page.
However, past results do not guarantee the outcome of another claim. Results depend on factors such as the nature of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and the evidence supporting the case.
When you hire Torgenson Law, you can start with a 100% free initial consultation and no upfront attorney fees. We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, and you will have direct communication with our legal team throughout the process.
We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and pursue litigation when necessary. You can learn more about our Arizona dog bite practice or contact Torgenson Law to discuss your case during a free consultation.
A: No. Most Arizona dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means attorney fees are generally paid from the compensation recovered in your case.
A: Many personal injury attorneys charge around 33% of the recovery if a case resolves before litigation. Fees vary by firm and may increase if litigation becomes necessary.
A: Yes. Even relatively minor dog bites can lead to infection, scarring, nerve damage, or unexpected medical expenses. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand whether you may have a claim.
A: At Torgenson Law, your first consultation is free, with no obligation to hire the firm afterward.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
