A Moreno Valley woman and her 6-year-old son were injured in a dog bite incident, the morning of January 24, 2012. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the incident happened on Indian Avenue near Sunnymead Boulevard in a residential neighborhood as the woman was walking with her son and pushing a stroller with a young child. It was then that a 120-pound bull mastiff jumped a chain link fence from a nearby yard and began attacking the boy.
Officials say the big dog latched on to the boy’s head partially severing his right ear, before biting the woman in her left hip. The child in the stroller was uninjured. The owner of the dog arrived at the scene and took control of the animal. Both, the woman and the boy have been hospitalized with dog bite injuries and are recovering. The dog has been handed over to animal control. It will likely be euthanized, officials say. The dog’s owners have not been cited pending an official investigation.
My heart goes out to the mom and son who were seriously injured in this dog attack. I’m relieved to note that the younger child was unharmed. I wish these injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Strict Liability Statute
Based on the news account, this was a totally unprovoked attack. It is not clear if there were prior incidents where the dog had chased after neighbors or attempted to attack anyone. California has a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog bites. What this means is that the dog owner can be held financially liable for injuries and damages caused by his or her pet.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Injured victims in dog bite incidents can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Compensation may also be available through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.