Legal Rights After a Dog Attack: Lessons from the Warner Center Park Incident

A relaxing day at a local park turned into a nightmare for two men at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills. According to an ABC7 report, an off-leash pit bull mix viciously mauled both men, inflicting dozens of bite wounds and sending them to the hospital with severe injuries. To make matters worse, the dog’s owner reportedly fled the scene, leaving the injured victims behind.

This horrifying incident highlights a critical issue: the legal responsibilities of dog owners and the rights of victims who suffer from an attack. When a dog causes harm, the physical and emotional trauma can be immense. Understanding your legal options is the first step toward recovery and justice.

At Walch Law, we know that the moments after an attack are confusing and painful and are here to help you and your family during this difficult time. Call now to learn more about how we get Woodland Hills dog bite victims the maximum compensation 1-844-999-5342

California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

In many states, a victim must prove a dog had a history of aggression—the so-called “one-bite rule.” California is different. Our state follows a “strict liability” law for dog bites. This means that a dog owner is legally responsible for the injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown any signs of viciousness.

The owner cannot escape liability by claiming they didn’t know their dog was dangerous. If their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible. The Warner Center Park attack is a clear example. The owner’s failure to leash her dog in a public park directly led to the attack, making her legally liable for the victims’ damages.

The Owner’s Responsibility to Control Their Animal

Beyond the strict liability statute, dog owners have a general duty to exercise reasonable care in controlling their pets. The incident in Woodland Hills involved an off-leash dog, a direct violation of local leash laws. When an owner’s negligence—such as failing to use a leash, leaving a gate open, or not controlling a known aggressive animal—results in injury, they can be held accountable.

The owner in this case made a terrible situation worse by fleeing the scene. Leaving the scene of an attack is not only morally reprehensible but can also carry legal consequences.

What Compensation Can Victims Seek?

A Woodland Hills dog attack can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Victims have the right to seek compensation, known as “damages,” to cover these losses. This includes:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for everything from the initial emergency room visit and stitches to future surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological counseling.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you were unable to work during your recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and trauma resulting from the attack.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the owner’s conduct was particularly egregious, a court may award punitive damages intended to punish the wrongdoer.

The Importance of Identifying the Owner

As seen in the Warner Center Park case, a major hurdle for victims can be identifying the responsible dog owner, especially in a hit-and-run scenario. This is where swift action is crucial. If you are attacked, try to get a description of the owner and their dog, take photos if possible, and speak to any witnesses. Report the incident to animal control and the police immediately.

An experienced personal injury attorney can also help. At Walch Law, we can use legal tools and private investigators to help locate a fleeing owner and hold them accountable.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact the legal experts at Walch Law for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.