A pit bull mix viciously attacked and mauled a pool cleaner in Riverside County.
According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the incident occurred on September 25, 2014 when the man was working at a home in the 4000 block of Sandia Creek Drive in the unincorporated De Luz neighborhood near Temecula.
The dog apparently walked up to the victim from behind and
startled him. The pool cleaner then lost his footing and fell, which is when the dog started to attack him.
Severe Injuries Reported
The attack lasted about a minute. The victim was mauled in his face, arm and leg. But he was able to free himself from the dog and drive himself to the hospital. Officials say the injuries the man’s right arm will probably require reconstructive work.
Animal control officials say it is one of the worst dog bite injuries they have seen in a long time. The pool cleaner has apparently told the property owner that the dog’s behavior during earlier visits made him nervous. The dog owner was not at home when the attack occurred and the dog was loose when the pool cleaner came to work.
Our legal practice has seen a number of cases where mailmen, pool cleaners and workers are severely bitten by loose dogs. We certainly hope that this injured victim recovers quickly and fully from his injuries.
Liability Issues
In this particular case, the dog owner can be held financially responsible for the pool cleaner’s injuries. The dog owner failed to restrain the dog despite the pool cleaner’s concerns about the animal’s aggression. In addition, the pool cleaner was in the premises when the attack occurred.
California law states and dog owners are responsible for the injuries and damages 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.”
Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, cost of reconstructive surgery, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury attorney who will ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.