Milford Fonza, a 67-year-old retired fire chief, was severely injured in a dog bite
incident in Glendora, early morning on October 10, 2011. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Fonza was walking in the 1600 block of S. Sunflower Avenue when he was attacked by two pit bulls. Fonza told officials he fought the pit bulls for nearly four minutes with his walking stick. He sustained puncture wounds to his arms, legs, torso and groin and also suffered a separated or broken shoulder. Glendora Police Officer Matt Fenner who was on patrol at the time saw Fonza struggling with the dogs. He hit one of the dogs with his car and then shot and killed the other dog as it charged at him. The dog hit by the car also died shortly after the incident. Officials are still looking for the owner of the dogs.
My heart goes out to Milford Fonza who has been seriously injured in this dog attack. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to Dogsbite.org, a web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in a three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent or 52 incidents involved pit bulls followed by Rottweilers (14 percent), American bulldog and Husky (5 percent each). This dog bite fatality finding is generally consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which states that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of fatal dog attacks.
California Law Relating to Dog Bites
In this particular case, it appears that the dogs were running loose in the street. I trust officials will soon identify the dogs’ owner and hold him or her responsible for Fonza’s injuries.
Under California law, a dog owner can be held liable for personal injuries caused by his or her pet. 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.”
Compensation for Victims
Dog attack victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, medication, psychological counseling, and other related damages. In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will ensure that the negligent dog owners are held accountable.
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Laws regarding dog bites in California can be considered strict compared to other states. If you are bitten by a person’s dog they can be held liable, even if it is the dog’s first offense. Do you feel this is fair?
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