California Injury Blog
A dog attack that was caught on video on Catalina Island left John Brady of Huntington Beach seriously injured and hospitalized. According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred on when two dogs attacked Brady and his smaller dog. The larger dogs were described as pit bulls. The dog attack occurred on Avalon Pier. Brady said his Jack Russell terrier, Josh, was attacked by the two larger dogs on the Avalon Pier.
Brutal Attack Caught on Video
He said he lifted his dog off to protect him and the two other dogs went after him. Brady said he thought he was going to die and screamed for help. At one point, Brady said, he pulled out a pocket knife and began stabbing the dogs. Brady was airlifted to a regional hospital where he had to get skin grafts on both legs. He will need several more surgeries.
His dog, Josh, is injured but alive. The disturbing video of the incident shows a bloodied Brady fighting the dogs. A woman, the owner of the larger dogs, struggled to get control of her animals, the video shows. The dogs were eventually pulled away by a Harbor Patrol officer. A GoFundMe page has been created for Josh that has raised more than $2,300. The two larger dogs were not on a leash.
Our thoughts and prayers are with John Brady and his dog, Josh. We wish them both a speedy and complete recovery from their injuries.
Laws and Liability Issues
California has a strict liability statute when it comes to dog bites. California Civil Code Section 3342 (a) 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.”
In such cases where dogs are not on a leash or where the owner’s negligence causes an attack, injured victims can seek and obtain compensation for injuries and damages. Victims can seek compensation for all medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgeries, rehabilitative treatment, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County dog bite lawyer who will fight for their rights and hold the negligent dog owner accountable.