A 74-year-old woman was injured in a dog attack after she was bitten by a bull terrier while walking her springer spaniel in the city of Riverbank. According to a Fox 59 news report, the woman’s daughter, Sherry Fenn, told the news station that her mother was walking her dog on Second Street on October 1, 2017 when a bull terrier went after them. Fenn said the dog “came out of nowhere,” charged the woman and started attacking her and the dog.
Saved by the Hammer
Isidro Carrasco who was cooking in his restaurant across the street saw the attack and came to the woman’s rescue with a hammer. He struck the dog repeatedly with such force that the hammer was burnt. Another passerby also came to the woman’s rescue. The dog ran away and was quarantined at the local animal shelter. Since the bull terrier was micro-chipped, the owner has been located. Officials said the owner is cooperating. Fenn said her mother could have suffered far more serious injuries if Carrasco and the other person had not intervened.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured woman. We hope that she has a quick and full recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the dog broke free and attacked the elderly woman who was on the street walking her own dog. California has a strict liability statute when it comes to dog bites. This means that dog owners can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused by their pets.
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 can seek financial compensation from the at-fault or negligent dog owner for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced California dog bite lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.