California Injury Blog
Long Beach Girl Injured in Los Angeles Dog Attack
A 2-year-old Long Beach girl has been hospitalized with dog bite injuries after she was attacked by the family’s cocker spaniel. According to this news article in the Los Angeles Daily News, the dog attack occurred at the home in the 1800 block of Gardenia Avenue on March 16, 2009. Long Beach fire officials and animal control officers, who responded to the emergency call, say the girl suffered deep cuts to her face.
The dog was taken into custody. It will be quarantined for 10 days when the dog will be evaluated for signs of disease. Depending on the results, officials will decide what to do with the dog. Officials say the girl’s mother is “upset” and has not made a request to get the dog back.
My heart goes out to the family of this young girl who must be going through a tough time with their daughter’s injuries caused by their own dog. I will pray for her quick and complete recovery.
According to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) nearly 5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. Every year, about 800,000 dog bites require medical attention and 386,000 of these cases call for emergency treatment. That amounts to about 1,008 dog bite victims a day.
For decades, Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys has represented young children who have been victims of dog attacks. In many cases, we have referred these families to plastic surgeons because the bites are so severe that they require cosmetic surgery. We have also seen many cases where even cosmetic surgery cannot help. Many children are left with scars from the attack or live with their deformities for life. It is truly tragic!
In this case, the toddler was apparently injured by her own family’s dog. But there are many cases in California where victims are severely injured or killed by a dog belonging to a negligent dog owner. In such cases, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney to find out more about your legal rights and options. As a victim, you may be eligible to receive compensation for past, current and future medical expenses and other damages. Negligent dog owners who will not take responsibility for their pets must be held civilly and criminally responsible for their actions.