What Happens if My Child Gets Bitten at the Dog Days at the Garden Event?
Dog Days at the Garden is a fun and popular event held at the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Alabama. Families come out to enjoy the beautiful gardens and bring their dogs along for the day. While this event is meant to be relaxing and enjoyable, sometimes accidents happen.
One serious concern is when a child gets bitten by a dog during the event. Dog bites can be painful, scary, and even dangerous, especially for children. If your child was bitten at Dog Days at the Garden, you may be wondering what to do next.
This article explains your legal rights, how to protect your child’s health, and what steps you should take to get the help you need.
Understanding Alabama Dog Bite Laws
In Alabama, the law holds dog owners responsible if their dog bites someone, especially if the bite happens in a place the victim had a legal right to be, like a public event. This is known as strict liability. Strict liability means the dog owner doesn’t have to be proven careless for them to be held responsible.
If your child was lawfully attending Dog Days at the Garden and was bitten, you may have a strong legal case. However, there are a few exceptions. If your child teased or provoked the dog, the owner may not be fully responsible. The law may also consider whether the dog had shown signs of aggression before.
Even if these exceptions apply, you could still have a case for negligence if the dog owner failed to control their pet properly. That’s why it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands Alabama dog bite laws.
Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite
If your child is bitten by a dog at Dog Days at the Garden, acting quickly and calmly can protect their health and preserve important evidence. Here are the key steps to take:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite appears minor—dog bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, and scarring.
- Report the incident to event staff or security so it can be officially documented.
- Obtain the dog owner’s contact information, if possible, including name, phone number, and details about the dog.
- Take clear photos of the injury, the scene of the incident, and anything else that could help explain what happened.
- Keep all medical records and request a police or incident report to support your case.
Taking these steps promptly can make a significant difference if you choose to pursue legal action or file an insurance claim. Proper documentation helps ensure your child’s rights and recovery are fully protected.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite?
At an event like Dog Days at the Garden, multiple people or organizations could be held responsible:
- The dog owner: The dog’s owner is usually the first person held liable. If they knew the dog was dangerous or didn’t control it properly, they may be legally responsible for your child’s injuries.
- An event organizer: The Huntsville Botanical Garden itself or an event host might share some responsibility if the event didn’t have proper safety rules or failed to enforce them.
- Insurance companies: In some cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance might cover dog bites, even if the bite happened outside their home.
A personal injury lawyer can investigate who is responsible and help you figure out the best way to pursue compensation.
Get the Help Your Family Deserves
Dog Days at the Garden is meant to be a safe and fun day out in Huntsville, Alabama. When a dog bite happens, it turns everything upside down. Your child’s safety, health, and well-being come first—and the law supports that.
If your child has been bitten by a dog at the event, it’s important to take action quickly. With the help of an Alabama dog bite attorney, you can hold the right people responsible and get the support your family needs.
Don’t wait until medical bills pile up or your child’s recovery becomes more difficult. Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers for help. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of getting full and fair compensation.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas.
We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 973-6417
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 207
Huntsville, AL, 35801
(256) 781-9242
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.73159361945047, -86.58690898412395
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 518-6098
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