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Who’s Liable for a Dog Bite in a No-Leash Area?

No-leash areas provide a great place for dogs to roam freely and their owners to relax a bit. However, sometimes these areas can be more dangerous given the additional freedom dogs have to roam.

If a dog bite injury were to occur in this area, who would be held responsible? This legal question is more complicated because, in these areas, dog owners are not required to keep their dogs within a short distance of them. Get informed on liability issues in this situation below.

Liability for Dog Bites in No-Leash Areas

Dog bite liability laws vary from state to state. In California, “strict liability” dog bite laws apply. This means an owner cannot escape liability for a dog bite by claiming they had no idea their dog was aggressive.

This means that dog owners have a responsibility to observe their dog’s behavior and discover if there is anything about their pet that may indicate future aggressive behavior. Dog owners who do not have enough information about their dog should not allow their pet to roam in a no-leash area, because their dog’s behavior cannot be predicted or known.

If it can be demonstrated that the dog had an aggressive past, or if the dog owner allowed their dog into a no-leash area without having observed the animal’s behavior for a long enough time, then they may be held liable for the dog bite.

If you get bitten by a dog, it’s vital to take photos of the injury, the dog, and the scene where it happened. It’s also important to seek immediate medical attention, even for the smallest of bites. A dog bite that seems minor at first can turn into a major health hazard down the line.

Bitten by a Dog? We’re Here to Help

Dog bite law can be complicated. Our San Jose personal injury attorneys at Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP can help you sort through the details and recover the compensation you need for medical bills, pet bills, and more.

Call Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP at (800) 900-0863 to schedule a free consultation.