Jose Sadino, 5, sustained critical injuries in a dog bite incident after he was brutally attacked and mauled by a pit bull in the middle of a large apartment complex in Newhall. According to an ABC news report, the dog attack occurred the evening of June 11, 2010 when a number of children were playing. The dog, witnesses say, jumped out of a window and started biting Jose.
The boy’s mother threw herself on top of her son. But the dog was “crazed and attacked with a vengeance,” those who saw the attack said. Neighbors eventually helped scare the pit bull away. Los Angeles Sheriff’s officials took the dog into custody and are trying to determine if the owner will face any criminal charges.
My heart goes out to young Jose Sadino and his family for what they are going through. I hope he has not sustained catastrophic injuries. I pray that little Jose survives these critical injuries and makes a complete physical and emotional recovery.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to a report released by Dogsbite.org, in 2005, California led the country when it came to dog bite fatalities. Of the 28 fatalities in California that year, pit bull or pit bull mixes accounted for 57 percent. Together, pit bulls and rottweilers account for 75 percent of all deadly dog attacks in the Unites States. Also in the United States, 46 percent of the attacks happened to children 11 years and under and 46 percent happened to adults 21 years and older.
Laws and Liability Issues
California is one of many states that have what is known as the “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog attacks. What this means is that the dog owner will be held liable for attacks and injuries caused to innocent victims. Injured victims can seek compensation from the dog owner for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering, and even psychological counseling.
Victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will ensure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. In cases where the dog owner is also a homeowner, his or her homeowners’ insurance should help cover the damages caused by the dog attack. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured dog bite victims and their families.
How would you protect your children from a vicious dog attack?
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.