California Injury Blog
David Fear, 64, died from injuries he suffered in a dog attack in Grover Beach, a city in San Luis Obispo County. According to a report in The Tribune News, the dog attack occurred the afternoon of December 20, 2016, when Fear and his neighbor, 85-year-old Betty Long were attacked by two dogs in the 1100 block of Nacimiento Avenue. Police and fire officials arrived on the scene to find both Fear and Long suffering from serious injuries and two dogs – a Belgian Malinois and a German shepherd – running around in the area.
Horrific Dog Attack
The Belgian Malinois was found to be the primary aggressor and was put down with the owner’s permission. The German shepherd did not appear to be aggressive and is being held by its owner. Fear’s family and neighbors said that Long was first attacked while standing outside her home. Fear was trying to help her when the dogs turned on him causing severe injuries and blood loss. Long was injured but was discharged from the hospital. Fear reportedly died from complications after he received blood transfusions to replace the blood lost during the dog attack. He had bite wounds on his legs, torso and arms.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of David Fear for their terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We also wish the injured woman the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that animal control officials in the city are continuing their investigation into the case and will pass on the information gathered to the county District Attorney’s office, which will them determine whether to press criminal charges against the dog’s owner.
Whether or not the dog’s owner faces criminal charges, he could be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused by his pets. 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 of dog attacks can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, cost of cosmetic surgery, psychological counseling, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can also seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. An experienced California dog bite lawyer will be able to fight for the rights of victims and families and ensure that the negligent dog owners are held accountable.