California Injury Blog
The California dog bite lawyers at Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys understand how traumatic dog attacks can be. Sharon Holland, 54, suffered serious injuries in one such brutal dog attack in San Diego after she was attacked by three mastiffs. The attack was so horrific that it traumatized those who witnessed it. In fact, those who saw the dogs attack her say they are surprised that Holland is even alive. Holland’s family members say she was admitted with serious bite wounds after the attack on October 10, 2009, but that now her life is in danger because the wounds have become infected and she had to be rushed to the emergency room.
A Brutal Dog Bite Incident
Her friend John Avila, who was walking with Holland to a store at the time, said the three dogs just came out of nowhere and started mauling her. Avila apparently tried to help Holland, but said the dogs were too big and too strong. Holland was knocked unconscious during the attack and suffered severe bites to her left arm. Many, including Penny Holland’s son, Kevin, are asking how the dogs got loose in the first place. Officials are saying that the dog owner will likely face criminal charges.
My heart goes out to Sharon Holland and her family for what they are going through. I also sympathize with Avila and others who witnessed this attack. This innocent victim, who was taking a casual walk with a friend, is now fighting for her life. Tragic! I hope and pray that Holland makes it through this ordeal and makes a complete recovery. Holland and her family will certainly be in my prayers.
Dog Owner’s Liability
In my opinion, this dog owner in this case must be held civilly and criminally liable for allowing this dog attack to happen. California law is very clear about liability on the part of dog owners. California has a strict liability statute when it comes to dog bites. In California a person bitten by a dog sues in state court under California’s Civil Code Section 3342 which 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.”
It is the dog owner’s responsibility to make sure that his or her dogs are properly secured and do not pose a danger to the community. Allowing your dogs to roam freely in the neighborhood shows a callous disregard for the safety of your own community. Holland’s family would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who can explain their legal rights and options and make sure the negligent parties are held accountable. In such cases, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, psychological counseling and other related expenses
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.