Maison Law represents Stockton dog bite victims to make sure they secure everything they need to make a full recovery. Victims who suffer bites at Stockton dog parks can ask dog owners for financial support as they heal. If you or a loved one have been bitten, please contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. It’s a no-risk opportunity to find out what your case may be worth and how to hold dog owners and their insurance companies fully responsible.
Dog Bite Liability at Stockton Dog Parks
In California, dog owners are held responsible for dog bites in most situations. It’s true even when a bite occurs inside a dog park where pets are let off their leashes to run free. Dog owners are still liable and would be called upon to help victims with their medical bills and other hardships.
California is a “strict liability” dog bite state. The concept of strict liability means that pet owners are financially liable even if the dog hasn’t bitten anyone before. In other states, dog owners sometimes aren’t responsible for their dog’s aggression unless they have bitten someone before. That’s not the case in California.
Strict liability makes it easier to determine who is legally responsible for a bite wound, generally the pet owner. But liability could be in question in a couple of circumstances:
- The victim can’t have provoked the dog.
- Victims can’t have been trespassing on the dog owner’s property at the time.
Most dog parks wouldn’t be considered private property. Stockton dog parks operated by the city are public places.
Dog bites can cause confusion over who is to blame, but victims can count on the immediate help of a Stockton Dog Bite Lawyer. A skilled lawyer identifies every party that might share some fault in a dog attack and then demands the support victims need to pay for a full recovery.
Who Is Responsible for My Dog Bite at a Dog Park?
For victims who receive a bite wound while at a Stockton dog park, there may be some questions about who is responsible. The dog owner, the city department that operates the dog park, or an apartment management group or property owner.
In most instances, the dog owner still bears most or all of the blame. Wounded victims could seek compensation from the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or renters insurance for their physical, emotional, and financial damages.
At a city dog park, victims may wonder if the City of Stockton could also be held accountable. The city would usually be protected from litigation if you were bitten at a public park. Most dog parks operate under a “use at your own risk” policy. There will usually be a sign posted around the dog park stating this.
These are just a few of the most popular dog parks in Stockton:
- Barkleyville Dog Park
- Michael Faklis Dog Park
- Paul E. Weston Park Dog Area
The city wouldn’t be responsible for normal hazards at these dog parks. These are hazards reasonably associated with entering an enclosure with dogs on the loose. But if an unexpected hazard caused by the city’s negligence puts you at risk of a dog bite, you might have a strong case against a city government department. This same legal standard would apply to landlords and property management companies who operate private dog parks for apartment residents. Signs would usually be posted stating the dog park was for resident dog owners and that they are “use at your own risk” facilities.
You should take advantage of a free consultation with a real dog bite lawyer if you feel the owners and operators of a dog park put you in harm’s way. It’s a great way to clear up any questions and to determine if a dog owner and a dog park operator should be offering you support.
Compensation for Stockton Dog Bite Accident Victims
Dog bites can leave victims with serious and debilitating injuries. Victims often suffer hand injuries because it’s the body part that may be closest to a dog. Victims may be attempting to pet a dog when they suffer a crushing bite on the hand.
The delicate bones in the ankles and wrists are also vulnerable. Damage to tendons, organs, and other soft tissue is a real threat in any biting incident. Permanent scars may be left by a serious bite wound.
Dog bite victims will need help paying their emergency bills and could need further help covering the costs of weeks of physical therapy. They could also require restorative surgery to reduce the appearance of scars or repair a disfigurement.
Your dog bite attorney will assist you in making sure every hardship you’ve faced after a scary dog attack is listed in your insurance claim:
- Medical care bills now and any received in the future. Surgeries could be necessary years down the road.
- Physical therapy costs. Rehabilitation may be needed so the victim can restore the function of a hand and fingers.
- Full financial support for a permanent physical disability and permanent disfigurement suffered by victims.
- Additional compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma experienced. Dog bite victims can suffer anxiety and PTSD symptoms after a frightening attack. Depression may follow a severe injury that limits the patient’s enjoyment of life.
- Reimbursement of lost benefits and income while the victim misses work.
- Travel costs for appointments with doctors and surgeons. These bills may be substantial if a victim has injuries that prevent driving.
Contact a Stockton Dog Park Bite Lawyer
Consult with an attorney who understands the emotional trauma that comes along with the physical damage caused by a dog bite. Dog park bite victims need sufficient financial and emotional support in order to recover from such a traumatic experience.
When you contact Maison Law for a free consultation, you’ll talk to a real Stockton Dog Bite Lawyer and you’ll get our full attention. We will help you decide your best options for receiving the support you and your family will require to rebuild your lives. If you decide we can help you get the most out of your dog bite case, you won’t need any money now. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the insurance settlement you receive.
