California Injury Blog
A 62-year-old woman is in critical condition after being attacked by three German shepherds while she was out on a walk in Oakdale, California. According to a report in The Modesto Bee, officials with the Stanislaus County Animal Services Agency said the dogs escaped from a home when their owner opened the gate to leave the residence. The woman was taking a walk in the neighborhood when the three dogs attacked her.
Horrific Attack and Major Injuries
The woman’s daughter said in a social media post that her mom called her dad right before the dogs got to her. Her father drove to the location right away, but could not get the dogs off of her. It appeared that the dogs were eating her mother alive, the daughter said. The dogs’ owner and passers by also tried to stop the horrific attack. The woman sustained multiple puncture wounds and lacerations throughout her body.
Her daughter wrote on social media that her mother’s blood pressure almost bottomed out twice in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. She was taken to emergency surgery and was in there for more than five hours, her daughter wrote. While surgeons were able to stabilize her and save her arm and leg, they did inform the family that the woman would be disfigured. Officials said there were no prior calls to animal control regarding the dogs. But neighbors interviewed by officers after the incident said they were afraid of the dogs. It is unclear if the dogs’ owner will face charges.
Our thoughts and prayers are with this injured woman and her family. We wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Dog Bite Liability
Under California’s strict liability statute, dog owners are responsible for the injuries, damages and losses their pets cause. 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 can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgical procedures, psychological counseling, permanent injuries and disfigurement, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced California dog bite lawyer who will fight for their rights and make sure they receive maximum compensation for their injuries, damages and losses.
Source: https://www.modbee.com/news/local/oakdale/article248158945.html