A 7-year-old girl sustained severe injuries in a dog bite incident the afternoon of July 24, 2010 after a pit bull terrier bit her on the face. According to a Bay City News report, the dog attack occurred at a home on 82nd Avenue. Eyewitnesses told police that the dog owner asked the girl if she wanted to pet the dog just before the attack occurred. Oakland police officials said the girl suffered significant injuries, but that they were not life-threatening. This incident comes two days after a fatal pit bull attack in Concord where a 2-year-old boy was mauled by his step-grandfathers dogs.
Bitten in the Face
My heart goes out to this little girl who has apparently suffered serious facial injuries. Such attacks can not only have a physical impact on victims, but also a serious emotional impact, especially in cases where disfigurement is involved. I wish this girl the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from these serious injuries.
Based on this news report, it appears that the dog owner may have asked the child to pet the dog moments before the animal attacked. I trust officials are still looking into how and why this brutal attack happened. In such cases, the dog owner can be held financially responsible for the personal injuries caused to victims.
California Dog Bite Law and Liability Issues
California has a “strict liability law” when it comes to dog bites. California’s Civil Code Section 3342 which 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.” There are very few exceptions to this law such as when the dog bites a burglar, intruder or assailant.
Families of injured dog bite victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Oakland personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent dog owners are held accountable. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery and even psychological counseling. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Would you keep a pit bull in your house? Do you think the problem in pit bull attack cases has to do with the breed or the owner?
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.