California Injury Blog
Neighbors in a San Diego community are concerned that a pit bull involved in a dog bite incident two weeks ago has still not been located. Tina Souza, the woman who was attacked and injured by the dog, is offering a $500 reward for information about the pit bull or its owner, 10news reports. She says that the dog ran through a gate and charged at her when she was taking a walk in the neighborhood. Souza said she tried to defend herself by putting her arm up when the pit bull bit her arm. The dog ran away and was never located.
My heart goes out to Souza, who has not only been traumatized physically but also emotionally as the result of this horrific dog attack. I pray for her speedy recovery. Although we often hear about children who are attacked and disfigured by dogs, this incident is a reminder that adults can be seriously affected and traumatized by dog attacks as well.
Dog Bite Statistics
About 4.4 million Americans seek treatment for personal injuries caused by dogs each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. About 800,000 of these dog bite victims require medical attention. CDC’s statistics also show that when it comes to specific dog breeds, pit bulls and Rottweilers account for more than half of all dog bite fatalities in the nation. According to Dogsbite.org, a web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in a three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent involved pit bulls followed by Rottweilers, which accounted for 14 percent.
Dog Owner Must be Held Liable
I hope Souza’s reward prompts someone to come forward and provide information about this dangerous dog and its owner. In this case, it certainly appears that the dog owner should be held liable for Souza’s injuries. It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that a dog is restrained or kept in the yard or a restricted area so the safety of the neighbors or community members is not compromised. This pit bull was able to run loose, which tells us that the dog owner did little to restrain the dog.
In such cases, it would be in the best interests of dog bite victims to seek the counsel of a reputed California dog bite lawyer who has successfully handled dog bite cases. Victims like Souza can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages and other related damages. In instances where the dog owner also owns a home, homeowner’s insurance may cover damages stemming from the dog attack.
Are you satisfied with the dangerous dog laws in your city or county? Please share your thoughts and comments.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.