California Injury Blog
Emako Mendoza, 75, is in critical condition following a dog bite incident in San Diego when she was attacked by her neighbor’s two pit bulls, the morning of June 18, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the serious injury dog attack occurred on Alleghany Street, near Potomac Street, in Paradise Hills. Mendoza was in her own backyard, when the two pit bulls escaped through a hole in the neighbor’s fence and mauled her. She remains in critical condition after one of her legs had to be amputated. Both dogs were euthanized following the attack. The dog owner is under investigation.
My heart goes out to Emako Mendoza and her husband Frank following this horrific dog attack. Apparently, the injuries to her left arm are so severe that it may also have to be amputated. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. In this case, it is indeed tragic that the victim sustained catastrophic injuries.
Dog Bite Accident Statistics
According to Dogsbite.org, there were 33 fatal dog attacks in the United States in the year 2010. Pit bulls only make up 5 percent of the total dog population in the United States but they were involved in 67 percent of all fatal dog attacks that year. During the same year, 36 percent of all fatal dog attacks involved multiple dogs. Also, 61 percent of the fatal attacks involved children 11 years old or younger and 75 percent of the children killed in those dog attacks were under the age of 5.
California Dog Bite Law
In this particular case, it is not clear if the dog owner will face criminal negligence charges. However, under California law, dog owners can be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages that 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.”
Liability Issues
Victims of San Diego dog bite injuries may pursue financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the dog owner. In such cases, compensation may be available to the victim through the dog owner’s homeowner insurance policy as well. Damages that may be covered include all medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of surgeries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims or their families will be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent dog owner is held liable.
Seriously injured in a San Diego County dog bite incident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a San Diego dog attack. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Diego dog bite lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.