Dog parks, such as Alvarez Memorial Park in Los Angeles, provide some much-needed exercise and enjoyment for dogs, as well as a way for dog owners to enjoy outdoor activity with their pets. However, every pet owner has a duty and responsibility to ensure that their dog behaves responsibly and does not injure another person through a dog attack or dog bite.
Dog bites often result in serious physical and emotional injuries for the victim. If you suffered any injuries related to a dog bite in Alvarez Memorial Park, consider how a Los Angeles Alvarez Memorial Park dog bite lawyer can help you with your case. Call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation.
California Dog Laws
California Civil Code § 3342 addresses explicitly the liability of dog owners in dog bite incidents throughout the state. This law states that a dog owner remains responsible for the injuries caused by a dog bite if the dog was not provoked in any way, and the victim suffered injuries either in a public place or on private premises where they were lawfully.
Like many other states, California takes a “strict liability” approach to dog bites, which means that a victim does not have the burden to prove that the dog owner acted negligently in any way. The victim simply must prove that the dog bite occurred and caused their injury. This standard is a lower one to meet for victims, which gives them an easier route to compensation for their injuries and losses.
It is also important to note that even if the dog previously never showed any aggression or the potential to bite or injure another person, a dog owner remains responsible for their dog’s behavior. The owner assumes all liability for any injuries and losses suffered by a victim due to their pet’s behavior.
Exceptions to California Dog Bite Laws
An exception to CIV § 3342 is if the dog is a “working dog” for law enforcement or the military and is on duty at the time of the attack or dog bite.
In addition, this law only applies to dog bites and not to any other injuries that may result from the behavior of a dog, such as a dog that jumps on a person, causing them to suffer a traumatic brain injury when they fall.
While the dog bite law does not cover these types of actions, a victim could still file a personal injury claim based on the dog owner’s negligence.
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Los Angeles Dog Park Rules and Regulations
Los Angeles Municipal Code § 53.06.2 explains how dogs must be kept on a leash when in public except in a dog park or exercise area, which are designated in § 63.44(B)(2)(d).
Other parts of the municipal code spell out rules and regulations with respect to dog ownership in Los Angeles. Some of these rules include:
- All dogs over the age of four months must be licensed (§ 53.28) and fully vaccinated (§ 53.51).
- All dogs must wear collars and tags (§ 53.21).
- Female dogs in heat are prohibited from entering any dog park (§ 53.29).
- Owners shall not allow dogs, whether on leash or not, to assault or threaten any person (§ 53.34.1).
If a dog bites another person, California law requires that the dog owner exchange current tag information for the dog and contact information with the victim.
If you suffered injuries from a dog bite in a dog park, you may want to speak with our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Our Los Angeles Alvarez Memorial Park dog bite lawyers can help you file a claim to receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
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Risks of Los Angeles Dog Parks
Although dog parks, such as Los Angeles Alvarez Memorial Park, are places where dogs roam free and enjoy the outdoors, it remains critical for all dog owners to take responsibility for their pets. If you make the decision to visit a dog park to enjoy the outdoors or exercise your pet, you could suffer a dog bite. If you do, you should attempt to obtain the contact information of the dog owner as well as the tag information for the dog that bit you.
If the owner of the dog becomes adversarial or refuses to provide this information, you have the legal right to contact the Los Angeles police and file an official report regarding the dog bite.
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Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites are often extremely serious and can result in hospitalization to treat wounds, along with extensive therapy following the attack. Some of the types of injuries suffered from dog bites and attacks include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Puncture wounds that may develop infections
- Dislocations from falling
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Scratches that become infected
- Nerve damage
- Neck and spine injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Following a dog bite, a victim may need stitches, scar treatment, reconstructive surgery, skin grafting, or tissue expansion, depending on the severity of the injuries. Unfortunately, in some cases, victims must have multiple procedures over several years, impacting their quality of life and overall health. Dog bites can ultimately have a detrimental impact on a victim for several years. The injuries could even turn life-threatening in some cases.
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Consider How a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
If you suffered injuries due to a dog bite in a Los Angeles dog park, you may face:
- Substantial medical bills.
- Lost wages due to your inability to return to work because of your injuries.
- Pain and suffering.
- An overall diminishment of your quality of life.
You may have the legal right to receive compensation for your injuries. Consider calling our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation. You can learn how a Los Angeles Alvarez Memorial Park dog bite lawyer can help you determine how much compensation you may be entitled to receive and fight for a successful outcome.
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