California Injury Blog
A woman suffered serious injuries in a dog attack in her own home after three pit bulls viciously mauled her. According to an NBC Los Angeles news report, the incident occurred the morning of Dec. 15 in the 55000 block of Mitchell Road in an unincorporated area of Anza. A responding officer for the county’s Department of Animal Services described the injuries as severe. All three dogs were pit bulls or pit bull mixes. Officials identified the owner and arrested him on an outstanding felony warrant.
Brutal Attack
Officials said the woman was attacked on her own property when she was hanging laundry. The dogs were impounded at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus and permission is being sought to euthanize them. The name or age of the victim was not disclosed and her current condition is unknown. Officials said it is the duty of all dog owners to “do everything in their power to prevent such horrific attacks.” The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with this dog attack victim who has apparently suffered severe injuries. We wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Dog Owner Negligence
Based on this news report, it appears that the animals escaped from their owner’s home and went after the victim as she was hanging laundry on her own property. It is still not clear how the dogs got out. California has a strict liability statute when it comes to dog attacks. This means that dog owners are financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused by their 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.”
Compensation for Injured Victims
In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgery, psychological counseling, permanent injuries such as scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside County dog bite lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
Source: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Woman-Attacked-By-3-Dogs-In-Anza-502853982.html