Maison Law helps people that have been injured in dog bites throughout Tulare. Dog bites can happen anywhere–but in Tulare, they’re especially common at dog parks. It’s not all that surprising given the nature of these spots, given that they’re designed as safe spaces for dogs and their owners. Regardless, if you were bitten at one of the city’s dog parks, you’re probably dealing with medical bills, stress, or even uncertainty about what to do next. We’re here to walk you through it. Let’s talk about your options during a free consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite at a Dog Park?
Getting bitten by a dog is never a small thing–even if it happens in a place designed for dogs to run and play. The truth is, dog parks can be overstimulating for some dogs. When excitement turns to aggression, it’s often the person standing nearby who gets hurt. But like any situation, whether you need legal help depends on the seriousness of the bite. If it was minor and you’re healing fine, that’s good news. But if your injuries are more serious, or if you’re facing medical treatment, missed work, or emotional trauma, it’s worth speaking to a lawyer.
That’s where we come in at Maison Law. Our team understands California’s dog bite laws and how they apply in public spaces like dog parks. We can:
- Take a close look at what happened
- Explain your rights in plain language
- Help you figure out what kind of support you may be able to get–financial and otherwise
Most importantly, we aim to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible. While you focus on getting better, we’ll handle the legal side and help you move forward with confidence.
What Should I Do If I’m Bitten by a Dog at a Dog Park?
Even though there’s no dog parks run by the city in Tulare, there’s still a number of places where owners can bring their dogs for some exercise and socialization, like at Love’s Travel Stops or at Tyler Park. These places might be designed for dogs, but it can very easily turn into a situation where you’re bitten. At that point, you need to think about what you should do:
- Get medical help – Even a bite that looks minor can lead to infection or nerve damage. Call 911 or head straight to urgent care or the ER. Quick treatment is not only important for your health–it also helps document the severity of your injuries from the start.
- Find the owner – This is incredibly important. If you’re able, get the dog owner’s name and contact details. Try to get information from any witnesses as well. These details are crucial in figuring out who’s responsible.
- Report the bite to Animal Services – Call Tulare Animal Services or the local police to report the incident. This can help you figure out if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. You should also alert the management or staff, especially if the park is maintained by the city. A formal report creates a record that may help your case later.
- Document everything you can – Take photos of your injuries, the location of the bite, and anything else relevant–like broken fences, lack of signage, or off-leash dogs in restricted areas. Jot down your own notes about what happened while it’s still fresh.
- Keep track of your bills – Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, and any expenses tied to your injuries or recovery. If you’ve had to miss work or make changes to your routine, write that down too. The more detail, the better when it comes to showing how the bite has affected your life.
While dog parks can feel unpredictable, many bites are preventable when owners supervise their dogs and visitors stay alert. You can lower your risk by avoiding aggressive dogs, staying in size-appropriate areas, and being cautious around unfamiliar or overstimulated animals. Still, even with precautions, bites happen–and when they do, our team is here to help you through the process.
Who’s Responsible When There’s a Dog Bite at a Dog Park?
Probably the most pressing question you have after a dog bite at a dog park is straightforward: who’s responsible? Fortunately, California law makes this pretty clear.
Under Section 3342 of the California Civil Code, the dog’s owner is the one that’s probably going to be responsible for your injuries. This falls under what’s known as the state’s:
- “Strict liability” rule, where the owner is legally accountable for a bite, even if the dog hadn’t shown signs of aggression before.
That said, when a bite happens at a public or private dog park, the park’s management might also be partially responsible under California’s premises liability laws. These laws require property owners to keep their spaces reasonably safe for visitors. When that doesn’t happen, dog bites are much more likely to happen. Most of the time, this usually means the park’s management:
- Didn’t keep the park maintained
- Lacked supervision or control
- Didn’t fix broken fencing or other hazards
- Allowed known aggressive dogs
- Ignored complaints
Obviously, these things only increase the chances that you or someone you care about could be bitten. But at the same time, getting bitten at a dog park isn’t something anyone expects. So, if it does happen, you have rights. But to fully take advantage, you’re going to have to file a claim.
How Do I File an Injury Claim If I’m Bitten at a Dog Park?
One of the helpful things about California dog bite law is that your rights don’t change based on where the bite happens. Whether you’re bitten at a Tulare dog park, someone’s front yard, or inside a store, the law still gives you the right to file an injury claim. Usually, this means either:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court, or;
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Once your claim is filed, it’s like any other car accident or slip-and-fall, where you go after “damages” that include things like:
- Medical treatment – This includes the cost of emergency care, doctor visits, follow-up appointments, medications, surgeries, or physical therapy related to your injuries.
- Lost income – If your injuries forced you to miss work, you may be able to recover the income you lost during your recovery period.
- Pain and suffering – This refers to the physical pain and discomfort caused by the bite, as well as the lasting impact on your day-to-day life.
- Emotional distress – Dog bites can be traumatic. If you’ve experienced anxiety, fear, PTSD, or other emotional harm following the bite, that can be factored into your claim.
- Damaged property – If your clothing, glasses, phone, or other personal belongings were damaged during the bite, you can include the cost to repair or replace them.
- Vet bills and pet-related costs – While you can’t file an injury claim on behalf of your dog, if your pet was also bitten and injured, you may be able to recover money for their vet bills, medications, or other related expenses.
Remember, because it’s still an injury claim, you only have two years from the date of the bite to file. If you miss it, you can’t recover damages–which can really pile up after one of these incidents.
Contact Maison Law If You’ve Been Bitten at a Dog Park in Tulare
Dog parks are meant to be a safe, social space–not somewhere you leave injured. While it’s not always possible to prevent a dog bite, especially in an off-leash setting, you shouldn’t have to go through the aftermath alone.
If you or someone you care about has been bitten at a dog park in Tulare, Maison Law is here to help. We understand how overwhelming these situations can be, and we know how to hold dog owners and park management accountable when safety falls through the cracks. Reach out for a free consultation and let us walk you through what comes next.
