Authorities say that 38-yea-old Wendy Soto, who was going door to door collecting information for the U.S. Census Bureau, will have to undergo surgery after a dog bite incident involving a pit bull. CBS News reports Soto was conducting census interviews the evening of May 17, 2010 and had just rung the doorbell of one of the homes, when the attack occurred. The dog attacked her and bit her on the leg, stomach and hands until the owner came and pulled it away. Soto was transported to an area hospital where she is about to undergo surgery. A hearing will be held to determine whether the dog should be classified as "vicious" or "dangerous."

Victim Suffers Nightmarish Attack

I hope Wendy Soto did not sustain catastrophic injuries in this case. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the worker did not do anything to provoke the animal. It is not clear whether the dog was unrestrained or whether the dog escaped its restrained area and ran out to the front of the house on hearing the doorbell. We also do not know whether this dog has a history of attacking anyone in the past.

Laws and Liability Issues

California has what is known as the "strict liability statute" wherein dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries caused to victims. There are very few exceptions to the statute such as when the dog bites a burglar or an assailant. In most other scenarios, under the law, the dog owner will be held liable, whether the bite occurs on public or private property.

Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical costs, surgical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization, psychological counseling and plastic surgery, which may be needed in many dog bite cases to fix scars. Sometimes, the scars cannot be fixed. Such disfigurement often leads to serious emotional and psychological problems for victims. Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will help hold the negligent dog owners responsible and assist victims in securing the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Do you believe that your city must update its dangerous dog laws? What changes would you like to see?

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.