Maison Law helps anyone that’s been injured during a dog bite in Clovis. It’s unfortunate, but dog bites are one of the more common types of injury claims we help people with. And while they can happen anywhere you interact with a dog, certain places–like dog parks–put you at higher risk. We can help you through what comes next. Set up a free consultation with our team today.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite in Clovis?
A dog bite is always jarring–but when it happens at a public place like a dog park, it brings up a lot of questions. So, while you don’t technically need a lawyer in this situation, having one can be really helpful. Here’s what we’ll do for you:
- Explain your rights in plain language
- Track down reports, video, witness names, and key details
- Figure out who’s legally responsible–including the dog’s owner or possibly the city
- Handle insurance calls so you don’t have to
- Take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered
If the bite happened at one of Clovis’s dog parks, we can take the legal pressure off your shoulders while you focus on getting better. But because this is a somewhat unique situation, it’s helpful to answer some important questions first–like why do bites happen in the first place?
Why Do Dog Bites Happen at Dog Parks in Clovis?
Dog parks are meant to be a break for everyone–dogs get to run, people get to relax. But just because a space is designed for dogs doesn’t mean every dog handles it well. A typical dog park is busy, loud, and chaotic. That’s part of the charm—but also part of the risk. Dog bites in these public settings often trace back to a few common causes:
- A dog showing signs of aggression
- Owners distracted or missing warning signs
- Dogs who aren’t well socialized or trained
- Guarding toys, treats, or even a person
- Territorial or prey-driven behavior
- Overstimulation from the crowd, noise, or heat
- Hidden pain or medical conditions making a dog reactive
Every bite is different. Sometimes it’s a single moment—a missed signal, a tense interaction, a dog pushed past its limit. But once a bite happens, your job isn’t to sort out the psychology. It’s to take care of your recovery and figure out your legal options. That’s where we come in.
Who’s Responsible for a Dog Bite at a Clovis Dog Park?
Getting bitten at a dog park is upsetting—and in a city like Clovis, where parks are well-used and often family-friendly, it can also feel especially unfair. But the law is on your side. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone—whether it happens in a backyard, on a sidewalk, or at one of the city’s many dog parks like:
- Sierra Bicentennial Park
- Letterman Park
- Cottonwood Park
- David McDonald Park (where many locals walk their dogs)
Since many of Clovis’s parks are city-managed, your claim might involve the city—which adds a layer of complexity. But remember, the law is on your side with strict liability–but it’s still about putting together a strong claim for your damages.
What Can I Do to Strengthen My Dog Bite Claim?
When a dog bites you at a dog park, what you do next matters—both for your health and for your legal claim. Here’s what we recommend for putting together a strong claim:
- Get medical care right away – Even if it seems minor, dog bites can lead to serious infections. Don’t wait—head to urgent care or the ER as soon as you can.
- Find out who owns the dog – Ask around. Most Clovis parks require owners to stay close by. Getting their name and contact info is key for any injury claim.
- Report the bite – Call Clovis Animal Services and let them know what happened. You can also notify the Clovis Recreation Division if it happened in a city-run park like Sierra Bicentennial.
- Take photos – Document the bite itself, your surroundings, and anything else that might be useful—like leash signs, fences, or lack thereof.
- Track everything – Save your receipts, prescriptions, and any communication with doctors or animal control. These details help build a clearer picture of how the bite impacted your life.
These steps not only take care of your health; they strengthen your claim. Once you’ve done them, we can step in and help you figure out exactly what you can recover.
What Can You Recover From a Dog Bite Claim?
If you’ve been bitten at a dog park in Clovis, you’re allowed to file a claim—just like you could after a car accident or a slip-and-fall. California’s strict liability law makes the dog’s owner responsible for your injuries, and in some cases, the city could be part of the claim too. But how you do it is up to you. Generally, you have two paths:
- File an insurance claim
- File a lawsuit
Either way, here’s what you may be able to recover:
- Emergency care, hospital bills, and any follow-up treatment
- Lost wages if you had to miss work—or long-term income loss
- Replacement costs for damaged property (glasses, clothing, phone, etc.)
- Costs associated with your pain, stress, and trauma
- Costs relating to lasting impacts like scarring or reduced mobility
When a bite happens at a city-run space like a Clovis dog park, there are more moving parts. But that doesn’t change your right to hold the right people accountable.
Legal Help After a Dog Park Bite in Clovis
No one heads to Cottonwood Park or any dog park in Clovis expecting to get bitten. But if it happens, you shouldn’t be stuck sorting it out alone. Our Clovis dog bite lawyers at Maison Law is here to help you understand your rights and figure out next steps. We’ll take the time to listen and explain what your options look like—starting with a free consultation.
