Editor’s Note: As a few of our readers have pointed out, our source info was partially incorrect when this post was originally written. The attacking dogs were not pit bulls as originally thought, they were mastiffs. We will post an update in the near future on this event.
A woman was seriously injured in a California dog bite incident in National City on October 10, 2009 after she was attacked by three mastiffs. According to a 10news report, the woman, who has not yet been identified, was walking along the 2700 block of Granger Avenue when the dogs jumped on her and knocked her down. Christey James who apparently saw the injured woman lying unconscious on the ground and bleeding from her arms, called 911. The victim was hospitalized with injuries. Animal control officials now have possession of the three dogs. The dogs’ owner has also apparently been identified.
My heart goes out to this woman who was seriously injured in this horrific dog bite incident. I can only imagine the kind of emotional and physical trauma she must have gone through as a result of being attacked. I hope her injuries were not major and that she makes a speedy and complete recovery.
Dog Bite Statistics
This is yet another horrific dog bite incident involving the pit bull breed of dogs. Although pit bull advocates and activists will maintain that these dogs are completely harmless and even “cute,” statistics tell another story. 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 more or less 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.
In this particular case, it seems to me that the dog owner should be held liable for the woman’s injuries. It appears the dogs were not restrained in any way and were let free. There are many questions here. Where was the owner of these dogs during the attack? Had the dogs broken free from their leash? Were the dogs involved in any previous attacks or bite incidents? The answers may help determine if any negligence on the part of the owner led to this dog attack and the resulting injuries to the woman.
California Dog Bite Law
California has a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog bite cases. This essentially means that the dog owner is responsible for personal injuries or damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog in a public place or in private property, provided they are there legally. In California a person bitten by a dog sues in state court under 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.”
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries as a result of dog bites or a dog attack, please consult a some experienced California dog bite lawyers who will help protect your legal rights and make sure you receive fair compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of reconstructive surgery, lost wages, emotional distress and other related damages.
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.