Maison Law can help you through the claims process if you’ve been injured after a dog bite at a dog park in Gilroy. They can happen anywhere, but often, they happen in places where dogs are and there’s a lot of activity. So, a dog park is an obvious place where you can get hurt. But you’re not out of options, and our team of Gilroy dog bite lawyers can support you. Set up a free consultation today.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite at a Dog Park?
Getting bitten by a dog is always unsettling—whether it happens during a quiet walk, in your own neighborhood, or at a crowded dog park. And while the law doesn’t require you to hire a lawyer after a dog bite, having one can make the entire process easier, clearer, and far less stressful. When our team steps in, we can:
- Explaining your rights in plain, straightforward language
- Tracking down reports, witness names, and any available video
- Figuring out who’s legally responsible—the dog’s owner, a property owner, or in some cases, the city
- Dealing with insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Filing a lawsuit if the claim doesn’t get resolved fairly
Dog bites can feel confusing because they happen fast, and then suddenly you’re dealing with medical visits, paperwork, and the question of who’s at fault. If your injury happened at a Gilroy park or trail, you don’t have to work through this alone. Before you decide anything, it helps to understand why these incidents happen in the first place.
Why Do Dog Bites Happen at Dog Parks?
Dog parks are meant to be a breather—you let your dog run off some energy, you chat with other owners, maybe you sit in the shade for a while. But they’re also loud, fast-paced, and unpredictable spaces. Even in a friendly community like Gilroy, dog parks come with risks simply because they’re shared spaces with lots of personalities, both human and canine.
Dog bites at parks like Las Animas Park, Carriage Hills Park, and the off-leash areas around Christmas Hill Park often stem from:
- A dog showing early signs of aggression
- Owners who miss the warning signs or get distracted
- Dogs who aren’t used to being around a lot of other dogs
- Guarding toys, treats, or even their human
- High-energy or overstimulated dogs reacting unpredictably
- Territorial issues in tight or crowded off-leash areas
- Medical problems causing unexpected pain and reactivity
Most bites come down to one moment—a dog pushed too far or an owner not paying attention. And once that moment happens, it’s about getting as much information as you can.
What Information Should I Try to Get After I’m Bitten?
Getting the right information right after a bite can make a huge difference—both for your health and if you decide to make a claim later. Here’s what you’ll want to focus on, step by step:
- Owner information. If you can, try to grab the dog owner’s name and contact info before they leave the park. Something as simple as, “Hey, I need your info for my records,” is totally reasonable after a bite.
- Details about the dog. Anything you remember about the dog can help later. What did the dog look like? The breed, or at least the size and color? Were they on a leash? Do you remember the dog’s name? If the owner mentioned vaccination status, write that down too.
- Where and how it happened. Take a minute to note exactly where in the park it happened. Parks are crowded and chaotic, so this can be difficult, but try to remember what was going on when the bite happened, what the dog was doing, what the owner was doing, etc. These little details help paint a clear picture later.
- Pictures/videos. Pictures speak louder than words. Take photos of the bite itself, the dog if you can, the area where it happened, and anything that might be relevant—like broken fencing, missing leash signs, or crowded areas. If someone nearby caught it on video, politely ask if they’d share it. Even a short clip can be huge evidence.
- Witness information. If anyone else saw the bite, ask if they’d be willing to give their name or number. A quick note from another park-goer about what they saw can make your claim much stronger.
- Medical records. Once you get checked out—which you should do immediately, even for a small bite—save everything: urgent care paperwork, photos of the wound over time, prescriptions, and any follow-up instructions. These records show not just that the bite happened, but how it’s affecting your life.
- Reports you file. If you report the bite to Gilroy Animal Control or the parks department, keep copies of everything: case numbers, emails, voicemails—anything. These help establish a clear timeline and make your claim more solid.
Obviously, getting this information is easier said than done–especially in the chaos of when it happens at a dog park. Focus on your health first, gather what you can, and we’ll help you sort through the rest.
Who’s Actually Responsible for a Dog Bite at a Dog Park?
A dog bite at a public park or trail can feel especially unfair. You were just out enjoying your day. But California law is very clear about responsibility. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone. This means, they cover the damages, even when bites happen at a dog park.
But there’s a key part with bites at a dog park to remember: the park can share responsibility. This is true regardless of the park, and if something about the park’s condition played into what happened—such as broken fencing or lack of required signage—there’s usually additional steps in the process.
However, it doesn’t change your right to file a claim.
What Options Do I Have For Filing a Claim After a Dog Bite at a Dog Park?
If a dog bites you in Gilroy, you’re allowed to file a claim for your injuries. Whether that claim involves the dog owner, their insurance company, or (in some situations) the city, you generally have two ways to move forward:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a lawsuit
If your bite happened at a city-run dog park in Gilroy—like Christmas Hill Park or Las Animas Dog Park—the process is a little different. Since the city manages the property, you’re technically filing a claim against a government agency, which comes with its own rules:
- You have only six months from the date of the bite to file a government claim. It sounds strict because it is—missing the window can prevent you from recovering anything.
- Before you can get damages, you need to submit a formal Notice of Claim to the city. Think of it as letting them know, “This happened, and here’s the info you need to start looking into it.”
- Once your claim is filed, the city has 45 days to accept or reject it. That timeline is set in stone, which is why having your information organized and complete is so important.
No matter which direction your claim goes in, here are the types of damages people often recover after a dog bite:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost income or lost earning potential
- Damage to personal items
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or long-term injury costs
With any dog bite, it’s better to take action sooner rather than later. Injuries heal, memories fade, and the longer you wait, the harder it can be to track down the dog and its owner. Park officials can only help so much, and if they’re partially responsible for what happened, it can make things even tougher. One way or the other, though, our team will be there with guidance and support.
Get a Free Consultation After a Dog Bite at a Dog Park in Gilroy
Taking your dog to a dog park in Gilroy shouldn’t result in injuries, medical bills, and a trip to the vet. Unfortunately, this is something that can happen. When it does, our Gilroy dog bite lawyers at Maison Law can help. We’ll look into what happened, explain your options, figure out who’s responsible, then guide you through a claim. Set up a free consultation today to talk through your options.
