Janelle Dalson, 52, one of two joggers attacked in a dog bite incident in Fairfield is recovering from serious injuries, Bay City News reports. Officials say Dalson was jogging in the 600 block of Pavilion Drive early morning on September 10, 2010 when she was attacked by three dogs — a bull mastiff, a pit bull mix and an American bulldog. Neighbors rushed to her help. One person shot the bull mastiff. The other two dogs then ran down the street and began to attack another 34-year-old female jogger.
At this point, another neighbor shot the animals striking them both in the leg. Dalson sustained serious injuries while the other jogger suffered moderate injuries. Animal control officials located the owner of two dogs. The dog owner told officials that the third dog belonged to his son. All the animals involved in this vicious attack were euthanized.
My heart goes out to both these dog bite victims who have been seriously injured. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to Dogsbite.org, a web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in a three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent or 52 incidents involved pit bulls followed by Rottweilers (14 percent), American bulldog and Husky (5 percent each). This dog bite fatality finding is generally consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which states that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of fatal dog attacks.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California law, a dog owner can be held liable for personal injuries caused by his or her pet. California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will ensure that the negligent dog owners are held accountable. Dog attack victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, medication, psychological counseling and other related damages.
Do you have dangerous or vicious dogs in your neighborhood?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.