Dog Bites at Dog Parks or Off-Leash Areas

When Leisure Turns Dangerous

Dog parks and designated off-leash areas are designed to be places of recreation and relaxation. They offer dog owners a space to let their pets exercise, play, and socialize. But these environments can quickly become dangerous when dogs are not properly trained, supervised, or restrained. A single moment of aggression can result in a serious injury, especially when owners fail to intervene or take responsibility.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we represent individuals who have been bitten or attacked by dogs in public dog parks, private off-leash areas, apartment complex yards, or informal shared spaces. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we serve victims throughout Davidson County and Middle Tennessee. If you or a loved one was injured at a dog park, you may have the right to compensation—and we are here to help you secure it.

Understanding the Legal Framework for Dog Bites in Public Spaces

Dog bite cases in Tennessee are governed by a mix of statutory and common law principles. The most important statutory protection is found in Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413, which provides for strict liability under certain conditions. This statute holds dog owners responsible if their dog causes injury to someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property—provided the victim was acting peaceably and did not provoke the dog.

Dog parks typically fall under the definition of public property, meaning that dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their pets cause in these spaces. In other words, the injured person does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had previously bitten anyone. If the statutory conditions are met, the owner is responsible.

However, exceptions to strict liability may apply. For example, if the victim was trespassing in a closed or restricted area or provoked the dog in some way, the protections of § 44-8-413 may not apply. In such cases, the injured person may still pursue a negligence claim by showing that the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the attack.

The Role of Negligence in Off-Leash Dog Bites

Even when strict liability is not available—or if it is challenged—the injured party may bring a claim under traditional negligence principles. This involves proving that the dog owner knew or should have known their dog had aggressive tendencies and failed to act appropriately. In off-leash areas, negligence may take the form of bringing a dangerous dog into a shared environment, ignoring posted rules, refusing to control the dog once signs of aggression appear, or failing to warn others of past behavior.

Some dogs do not belong in off-leash settings. Owners who bring aggressive, anxious, or poorly socialized dogs into public parks may be liable if they fail to prevent foreseeable harm. In many cases, these owners are aware of their dog’s behavioral history but hope the animal will behave differently in a park setting. When that gamble ends in someone else’s injury, the law may impose responsibility.

Eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, park incident reports, and veterinary or animal control records can all support a negligence claim. At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we work to gather every available piece of evidence to build a compelling and well-documented case on behalf of our clients.

Dog-on-Dog Aggression and Resulting Human Injuries

Some of the most serious injuries occur not when a dog bites a person directly, but when an owner is bitten or knocked down while trying to break up a fight between animals. These chaotic incidents are common in dog parks, where high energy levels and pack behaviors can escalate quickly. If a person is injured while intervening in a dog-on-dog fight, the owner of the aggressive dog may still be held liable.

The law does not require that the dog intend to bite a human. If an injury occurs because an owner failed to control their dog in a public setting, the owner may be liable for any foreseeable consequences—including bites, falls, or crush injuries. Tennessee courts recognize that dog owners have a duty to control their pets, especially in places where people and animals interact closely.

Claims involving secondary injuries—such as being pulled to the ground or trampled—may also be actionable, particularly when the responsible dog is off-leash in a restricted zone or when the animal had a known tendency to initiate fights. Our firm carefully evaluates the facts of these cases to determine all applicable legal claims.

Liability in Private Dog Parks and Apartment Communities

Many modern apartment complexes and private communities offer fenced-in dog parks or “pet relief” areas as amenities. These areas may be open only to residents or authorized guests. When an injury occurs in a privately controlled off-leash area, both the dog owner and the property manager may bear responsibility.

In such settings, dog owners are still subject to Tennessee’s laws regarding liability and negligence. However, the property owner or management company may also have duties under premises liability law. If the property failed to maintain fencing, ignored complaints about a dangerous dog, or failed to enforce pet policies, it may be held partially liable for the injury.

Tennessee law allows for comparative fault, meaning responsibility can be shared among multiple parties. If a property manager failed to remove a known-aggressive dog or failed to warn others of a dangerous condition, that failure may contribute to liability. Our firm examines property records, incident reports, community rules, and prior complaints to determine whether the property owner failed in its duty to provide a safe environment.

Dog Park Rules and Posted Warnings

Most public and private dog parks post rules at the entrance. These signs often state that dog owners assume responsibility for their pets’ behavior and that aggressive animals must be removed immediately. While these signs are useful from a risk management perspective, they do not eliminate legal liability.

A sign that says “enter at your own risk” does not give dog owners immunity. Dog owners remain responsible for their animals and can still be held liable for injuries caused by poor judgment, recklessness, or failure to control the dog. If a park user violates clearly posted rules—such as bringing more than the allowed number of dogs or allowing a dog to enter without proper vaccination—that behavior may also support a negligence claim.

Conversely, if the injured person disregarded posted rules, that may be considered in determining comparative fault. For instance, someone who brings an off-leash dog into a leash-only area and is bitten by another dog may bear partial responsibility. These are fact-intensive inquiries, and our attorneys know how to assess them with legal accuracy and fairness.

Injuries and Damages from Dog Park Attacks

Injuries sustained in dog parks can be severe. Victims may suffer puncture wounds, torn ligaments, nerve damage, facial injuries, or broken bones. In addition to physical injuries, victims often endure lasting emotional harm—such as fear of dogs, anxiety in public spaces, or difficulty returning to the park with their own pet.

The legal damages available in these cases may include emergency medical care, hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, scarring, disfigurement, lost income, emotional distress, and diminished enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may be pursued if the dog owner acted with gross negligence or a conscious disregard for safety.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we work with medical experts, mental health professionals, and vocational consultants to fully document the physical, psychological, and financial toll of a dog bite injury. We take the time to understand each client’s personal story and fight to recover the full measure of compensation they deserve.

Claims Involving Children or Elderly Victims

Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable in dog parks and off-leash areas. Children are shorter and less able to defend themselves, making them more likely to suffer bites to the face or neck. Older adults may be knocked down or more seriously injured from a single fall.

When a child is bitten or a senior is seriously harmed, the impact often extends far beyond the initial injury. Children may require reconstructive surgery, develop post-traumatic stress, or face bullying due to visible scarring. Older adults may experience slower recovery and long-term limitations in independence.

In these cases, it is especially important to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Our firm understands the sensitivity and complexity of representing vulnerable victims, and we pursue justice with care and diligence. When a child is involved, we also work with the court to establish appropriate trusts or structured settlements as needed under Tennessee law.

What to Do After a Dog Bite at a Park

After any dog bite incident, immediate medical attention should be your first priority. Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to infection or complications. Be sure to document the scene, take photographs of the injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses and the dog owner if possible.

Report the incident to local animal control and the organization responsible for maintaining the dog park. If the attack occurred at a private facility, notify the property manager or homeowners’ association. Preserve all clothing, records, and communications related to the event.

Do not accept blame, sign any release, or accept money from the dog’s owner before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that do not reflect the full scope of your damages. Having legal representation helps ensure that your rights are protected and your compensation is fair.

Why Choose the Law Offices of John Day, P.C.?

Our firm has built a reputation for thoughtful, effective legal advocacy on behalf of injury victims throughout Tennessee. We understand the intricacies of both statutory dog bite law and common law negligence. Led by attorney John Day, author of Day on Torts: Leading Cases in Tennessee Tort Law, our team brings decades of experience and the full weight of our firm’s resources to every case.

We approach each client’s story with empathy, professionalism, and commitment. Whether your case involves a public dog park in Davidson County, a private off-leash area in a Brentwood community, or an attack during a family outing in Murfreesboro, we stand ready to help you pursue justice and healing.

Contact Us Today

If you were injured by a dog at a dog park or off-leash area, don’t assume that you have no legal recourse. Dog owners remain responsible for the actions of their pets, even in spaces designed for off-leash interaction. Contact the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. at (615) 742-4880 to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.