California Injury Blog
A woman in Canyon Country suffered severe injuries after both she and her Chihuahua were attacked by two Pit-Bulls during a walk. According to an ABC News report, Tempo Edwards was walking her dog when two pit-bulls attacked her. Edwards reportedly suffered bite marks on her hand and neck. The district attorney is looking at filing criminal charges against a Canyon Country man believed to be the owner of the two Pit- Bulls.
The pit-bulls first went after Edward’s dog and then her. One of the dogs locked its jaw around her neck and knocked her down. Neighbor Lillie Troncale, who came to her rescue, managed to scare the dogs and get them off Edwards, who reportedly had undergone a kidney transplant recently. Her doctors are now concerned about possible infection from the pit-bull dog bites.
Thank goodness Troncale was near by and acted quickly. She probably saved Edward’s life. I wish Edwards a speedy recovery. I also hope the district attorney goes through with the prosecution of the dog owner.
According to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers accounted for more than half the fatal dog attacks between 1977 and 1998. Over two thirds of the people I have represented in dog attack cases were bitten by either Pit Bulls or Rottweilers.
That said, all dog owners are responsible for their pets. If their dog has a history of attacking smaller animals or people, they should make every attempt to keep the dog restrained in their home. The fact that these two pit-bulls were out of their neighborhood roaming the streets is a matter of grave concern.
Edwards will be well-advised to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who has a track record of successfully handling dog bite cases and of counseling dog attack victims. She is entitled to significant compensation. A skilled attorney will look into how and where the victim can seek compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages as well as pain and suffering caused by these traumatic attacks. The dogs’ owner has almost no defense to a liability claim by Edwards.
This incident also reminds us about some steps that we can take to protect ourselves and our pets from dangerous or vicious California dog attacks. When going out for a walk, it is always a good idea to carry a stick, a bar or cane in the event that you have to fight off an attacking animal. Experts also suggest that you have a backup plan, some kind of escape route.
This is possible if you walk along the same route every day.
My wife walks our Bichon Frises nearly every night after dinner in our gated community. Since they suffered an attack a couple years ago, she carries “Sabre”. “Sabre” is a combination military tear gas, red pepper spay and an invisible ultraviolet light sensitive dye for suspect identification. Fortunately she hasn’t had to us it yet.