A toddler who sustained serious personal injuries in a dog attack at a Newhall apartment complex the evening of June 11, 2010, has been identified as 5-year-old Jose Sadino. ABC News reports that the vicious pit bull attack happened outside the apartment building where a number of children were playing. The dog, according to eyewitnesses, jumped out a window and started mauling the boy. Jose's mother and several neighbors intervened and were able to chase the dog away. But Jose has sustained critical injuries. Thankfully, he is expected to survive.

I sympathize with Jose's family and all the little children who witnessed this frightening attack. I wish Jose the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He and his family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dog Bite Law

California has a "strict liability statute" when it comes to dog attacks, which means dog owners can be held accountable for the injuries 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." Dog bite victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, plastic surgery, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable

A number of California counties and cities are updating their dangerous dog laws to impose more stringent limitations on dog owners, especially those who own more aggressive breeds of dogs such as pit bulls or Rottweilers. Breed bans are illegal in California. However, local governments can impose increased limitations on owners of these breeds of dogs such as requiring them to carry liability insurance.

Injured dog bite victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options in these cases and make sure that the negligent dog owner is held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused.

How would you protect your children from a vicious dog attack?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.