Dog parks are a great way for dogs to get exercise and release any pent-up energy, as well as for individuals to socialize. Modesto is home to a variety of dog parks, from the Modesto Dog Park to the Bark Dog Park & Tap Room where parties can enjoy a nice drink while their dogs play. However, there are inherent dangers at dog parks as well, especially if aggressive dogs are utilizing a park. Not only is there a risk to other dogs in these situations, but individuals are at a high risk for sustaining dog bites as a result.
At Maison Law, our attorneys are here to represent you as you navigate the legal system after a life-altering dog bite attack. We want to help you achieve the best outcome so that you can move forward both physically and financially during these difficult times. Contact us for more information following a dog attack caused by a negligent owner’s actions.
Understanding Strict Liability in a California Dog Park Attack
You go to a Modesto dog park to have fun with your dog without another care in the world. However, when a dog bite attack occurs, you can be left with painful and even life-altering injuries. These injuries are sometimes so severe that they require hospitalizations, surgeries, or follow-up care that can cause thousands of dollars in damages. This is why it is important to determine liability so that you can financially recover after a dog bite.
California is known to follow “strict liability” when it comes to dog bite attacks. This means that, in almost any event, an owner will be held financially responsible for the consequences of an attack and the damages that result. There are some questions that you will need to ask when you want to determine liability in one of these cases, such as the following:
- Was the dog known to bite people without justification before your attack?
- Did the owner know about their dog’s tendency to bite others?
- Were any laws broken at the time of the bite?
- Did the owner of the dog act in an otherwise negligent fashion?
Your claim may be altogether different if you were simply knocked over by an excited dog but not bitten. There are a lot of different circumstances that can apply to these cases, which is why you should always have an attorney on your side who has handled these cases in the past.
Steps to Take After a Modesto Dog Park Bite
Making sure that you take certain steps after a Modesto dog park attack can be vital to the future of your claim and your overall well-being. Here are some of those steps to keep in mind:
- Call 911 so that you can receive immediate medical treatment for your injuries.
- Call the police if the dog remains a threat or if the dog owner tries to flee the scene.
- Take photographs of the dog and their owner if you are able to. Also take pictures or videos of the area where the bite occurred, as well as your injuries.
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information.
- Keep any damaged clothing or property.
After this, speaking with a dog bite lawyer can help you gain the best results in your claim. Your lawyer will take a closer look at your claim, building a profile of the dog’s history and providing you with necessary resources during these challenging times.
Damages in a Dog Park Bite Claim
In California, you have the right to bring a personal injury claim if you have been bitten by another person’s dog at a dog park in Modesto. You may be able to receive a variety of different damages:
Economic: Economic damages include losses that can be accounted for on a monetary level. These include aspects such as medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earnings, therapy costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.
Non-Economic: These damages include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress that you suffered due to the bite, and an overall decreased quality of life.
Punitive: These damages may apply to certain cases where extremely gross negligence was at play. For instance, if an owner was aware of their dog being vicious and did nothing to stop the attack from happening, you may receive these damages.
Contact a Modesto Dog Park Bite Lawyer
At Maison Law, we believe that you have every right to hold a party liable for the harm that they caused you in the event of a dog bite. A dog owner should have to pay for damages that you receive due to their negligent actions or inaction, without you ever having to worry about the bills that pile up against you. Our Modesto dog bite lawyers will provide you with the resources you need at this time. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a confidential and completely free case consultation.
