A woman was severely injured in a dog attack after a 9-year-old pit bull mix mauled her.
According to a Bay City News report, the incident occurred on Silverado Drive in Pinole the morning of March 1, 2015.
The 40-year-old woman suffered significant injuries to her face, legs and arms.
Paramedics reportedly administered advanced life support treatment after which the victim
was airlifted to a regional hospital for treatment.
The dog, described as the family’s pet, was put down. Officials are investigating whether the dog’s owner may have violated a state law requiring pet owners to take precautions with dangerous animals.
They are looking into whether this attack may have been preventable, officials said. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim who has been severely injured in this dog attack. We wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Pit Bull Attacks
According to the victims advocacy group DogsBite.org, 32 people were killed in dog attacks in the United States in 2013. Pit bulls contributed to 78 percent of these deaths in spite of making up only about 6 percent of the total U.S. dog population.
Together, pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for 81 percent of the total recorded dog bite-related deaths in 2013. Pit bulls and rottweilers also accounted for 74 percent of all fatal dog attacks during the nine-year period from 2005 to 2013.
Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the family’s pet pit bull bit her. Officials are also looking into whether they were illegally keeping a dangerous animal in their home. Under California’s strict liability statute, dog owners can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses their pets cause.
Dog owners can be held financially responsible for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injury such as scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured dog attack victims would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury attorney who has successfully handled cases involving dangerous dogs.
Many California cities have ordinances relating to dangerous dogs. Please remember that compensation may also be available through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy.