Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto helps anyone that’s been injured in a dog bite incident. We’re here to support you if you’re bitten by a dog, particularly in one of the city’s dog parks where such incidents often occur. Dog parks offer fun and socialization for dogs, but can also lead to injuries. If you or someone you know has been bitten at a dog park, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
You obviously never want to be in a situation where you’re bitten by a dog, especially if it’s a dog park that you go to a lot. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common places a dog bite happens in Modesto. Whether you need a lawyer depends on the severity of your injuries.
For minor bites, legal action might not be necessary. However, for severe or traumatic injuries, especially those occurring at dog parks, our team can help. We offer legal assistance, case evaluation, negotiation with insurance companies, court representation, and evidence collection. Our overall goal is to simplify the legal process so you can focus on getting better.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Dog Bite at a Modesto Dog Park?
Legally speaking, where the dog bite happens doesn’t really matter. So, if you’re bitten at one of Modesto’s dog parks, you still have the same legal options as you would anywhere else. At the same time, understanding your options and the claims process is extremely important. Generally, you have two options: filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit.
Typically, you start by filing a claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company. We assist by providing evidence and submitting a formal demand for payment. The insurance company will investigate and often offer a settlement. Our experienced team helps you by negotiating for a fair settlement.
If a settlement isn’t reached, we may file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner. We’ll represent you in court to defend your rights and secure comprehensive coverage.
The aim of an injury claim is to recover damages, which refer to your injuries and losses. Here are the common types of damages in a dog bite claim:
- Medical expenses – Covers the cost of medical treatment, surgeries, medications, and healthcare expenses from the dog bite. It can also include long-term or ongoing medical care, such as therapy or follow-up treatments.
- Lost income – These cover any wages lost during the recovery period if you’re unable to work.
- Pain and suffering – These damages cover the physical pain and mental discomfort caused by the bite.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, these damages address psychological impacts like anxiety, fear, or PTSD.
- Scarring and disfigurement -These damages are for physical and emotional effects of visible scarring or disfigurement from the bite.
- Loss of quality of life – These damages support the impact on your ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, or other aspects of life.
Every dog bite claim is unique, especially those occurring in dog parks. While there’s no guarantee of a positive outcome, partnering with our experienced team can ease the burden on you and your family. We manage the day-to-day responsibilities of your claim and work tirelessly to get you the support you need.
Who Pays For Your Damages After a Dog Bite at a Modesto Dog Park?
Figuring out responsibility for a dog bite at a Modesto dog park is crucial for exploring your legal options. Fortunately, California law is clear on this matter. Under Section 3342 of the California Civil Code, the dog’s owner is:
- Strictly liable for any injuries and losses caused by their dog.
This means that the dog’s owner is legally responsible for covering your damages from the bite.
However, when the bite occurs at a Modesto dog park, it can make things a bit more complicated. Basically, the park’s management or ownership might also share responsibility under “premises liability” law. Property owners are required to keep visitors safe, which includes managing aggressive dogs and maintaining a hazard-free environment, and this liability applies whether the park is public or private. Here’s a few examples of some of the dog parks in Modesto.
- Elk Park
- Modesto’s First Dog Park
- Bark Dog Park and Tap Room
While liability is an incredibly important part of your case, the most important thing is your health and safety. That means knowing how to respond when the dog bite happens.
How Can You Protect Your Dog Bite Claim?
While the law is on your side in terms of liability when there’s a dog bite, it’s still on you to show the extent of your damages. This means proving your claim, and taking steps to protect it. In order to do that, you’ll need to:
- Get medical care – Even minor bites can lead to serious complications. Seek treatment right away by calling 911 or going to an emergency room or urgent care.
- Find the dog’s owner – If possible, obtain the owner’s name and contact information, and note any witnesses. This information is crucial for establishing responsibility and seeking damages.
- Report the bite incident to the park and animal control – Notify local animal control or the police about the bite. They can help locate the dog and check its history of aggression. Additionally, tell the dog park’s management or owner to make them aware of the issue.
- Document the scene – Take photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack. Record the details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and information about the dog and its owner.
The good news, relatively speaking, is that these steps apply whether the dog bite is minor or severe. Obviously, the more serious the bite, the harder these steps can be to take. That’s why it’s important to know what can cause these incidents.
Why Do Dog Bites Happen at Dog Parks in Modesto?
Unfortunately, a dog bite at a Modesto dog park isn’t uncommon. While most of the dogs you interact with in these environments are going to be well-behaved and trained, that doesn’t mean a bite can’t happen. What’s worse, any dog can fall victim to the overwhelming nature of most parks. So, a dog might bite you there due to several factors:
- Lack of restraint – Unrestrained dogs can pose risks to both you and your dog, as well as others at the park.
- Aggressive behavior – Fear, anxiety, or territorial instincts can cause a dog to lash out.
- Lack of supervision – When the dog’s owner isn’t watching it, they can’t read the warning signs.
- Poor training/socialization – Dogs not properly trained or socialized may react negatively in the park environment, especially when other dogs are close to them.
- Previous history – Dogs with a history of aggression are more likely to bite if they feel threatened.
If bitten, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the park’s management. Medical help is crucial, even for minor injuries, as it ensures proper treatment and creates a record for any future legal claims. From there, you can turn to our team for guidance.
Contact Our Modesto Dog Bite Lawyers After a Dog Bite at a Dog Park
When you take your dog to a dog park in Modesto, you can find yourself in a situation where you’re bitten by one of the dogs there. This isn’t ideal, but it does give you certain legal options. At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto, we can explain your rights and guide you through the legal process. We’ll protect your claim and make sure you get the outcome you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.