Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont represents dog bite victims throughout the city and area. California law has numerous protections in place for you, even in cases where you’re bitten by a dog at a dog park. If you or a loved one have been injured in one of these incidents, our dog bite lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
When it comes to your legal options after a dog bite, it depends on your needs. A dog bite can happen anytime you interact with a dog, even if you are familiar with each other or are at one of the city’s many dog parks. While minor bites may not require legal action, serious ones will likely require more help.
Our team can explain your legal rights and options, first and foremost. This’ll give you a better idea of what to expect if you do take legal action. Then, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish, from gathering evidence to actually dealing with insurance companies on your behalf. This can make an already difficult situation much easier on you and your family.
Claims Process After a Dog Bite
There’s two important aspects of any dog bite injury claim: liability and damages. Thankfully, California law makes this first part fairly simple. Under Section 3342 of the California Legal Code, dog owners are:
- Strictly liable for any injuries or damage their dog causes.
So, if you’re bitten at a dog park, the owner bears primary responsibility. However, considering the situation, the dog park management may also share some accountability. Here are some of the more popular dog parks in the city:
- Central Park Dog Park
- Newbark Dog Park
- Patterson Park
- Blacow Park
- Noll Park
Normally, management is overseen by the city, so the local government will be involved. That said, you still have the same rights to file an injury claim, regardless of who all is responsible. And the main point of an injury claim is to recover damages.
Legal damages
Whether you choose to file an insurance claim outside of court or a lawsuit inside the court system, it gives you the opportunity to recover certain “damages” from the dog’s owner and the dog park itself. This differs in every case, but generally, the following are usually available:
- Medical bills and ongoing care, like physical therapy or rehab.
- Costs associated with pain and suffering.
- Financial support for emotional distress.
- Reimbursement for lost wages or future earnings.
- Payment for any damage to your property caused by the incident.
Every dog bite case is unique, and there’s no guarantee of a favorable outcome. More to the point, it’s up to you to show the extent of your damage from the dog bite itself. This makes it vital to take a few steps after the bite happens.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Being at a dog park is usually a fun experience, allowing you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors while socializing with other dogs and their owners. But unfortunately, this environment can be overwhelming for a dog and cause them to react by biting. Dealing with a dog bite can be tough, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your rights:
- Get medical help ASAP – Your health is the priority. Get immediate medical attention and make sure to document your injuries for any future claims.
- Find the dog’s owner – Gather as much information as you can about the dog’s owner, like their name and contact details. This information is crucial for your claim. Hopefully, they’ll be nearby and will help you. If not, the next step will become even more important.
- Report the incident – Let Fremont Animal Services, park management or local police know about the dog bite. They may investigate to prevent similar incidents. Also, this should prompt the dog park to take necessary action.
- Gather evidence – Collect evidence, including photos of your injuries, where the incident happened, and any statements from witnesses. This strengthens your case.
- Keep track of medical treatment – Document all medical treatments and expenses related to the dog bite, like hospital visits, medications, and ongoing care.
Common Injuries
These steps, no matter how small or serious the dog bite, keep you safe and bolster your potential claim. But a big part of your claim is going to be what your injuries are. Like any dog bite situation, these can vary. Usually, though, you’ll be facing:
- Bite wounds or bruises
- Broken bones or fractures
- Infections of viruses like rabies
- Cuts and scrapes
- Torn ligaments
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Psychological trauma
Even these injuries can vary depending on the situation. What’s important for you to remember, though, is that your health should always be the top priority. Getting medical help connects the bite and your injuries. However, you need to be prepared, especially if you’re at a dog park.
Reducing Dog Bites at Dog Parks
While dog bites can happen at any dog park in Fremont, many are preventable with proper precautions. Many dog parks are public spaces, open to dogs of all sizes and temperaments. While this is good socially, it also increases the risk of bites. However, when you’re there with your dog, you can take steps to minimize the chance of bites by following city guidelines and safety measures:
- Use a leash – Keep your dog on a leash, especially if they’re new to the park. Unsupervised or running off leash can raise the risk of biting.
- Try to avoid dangerous dogs – Owners should avoid bringing dogs with known aggression or traumatic histories to dog parks, as these situations can be triggering.
- Watch for aggressive dogs – If a dog has a history of biting or aggression, it’s best to keep them away from dog parks, even if leashed.
- Separation – Many Fremont dog parks have sections for different dog sizes. Make sure your dog is in the appropriate area to prevent harm to smaller dogs and others.
Despite these precautions, dog bites can still happen at a dog park. If you’re a victim, our dog bite lawyers are here to assist you through the claims process.
Contact Maison Law Fremont After a Dog Bite at a Dog Park
Being at a Fremont dog park is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. However, this changes when there’s a bite incident. Much like any other area of the city, your injuries in a dog bite can have a negative impact on your life. At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont, we’ll be there to explain your options and help you recover. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation.