A dog bite incident in Riverside County resulted in injuries for a mother and her 6-year-old son the morning of January 24, 2012. The Press-Enterprise reports that the dog attack occurred in a residential neighborhood near Indian Avenue and Sunnymead Boulevard in Moreno Valley. Officials say the woman was walking with her son and a younger child whom she was pushing in a stroller when they were attacked by a 120-pound bull mastiff. The dog bit a part of the boy's ear off and bit his mom in her hip. The dog's owner intervened and was able to take the dog back to his house. The younger child was unharmed. The two injured victims were transported to a local medical center for treatment and are expected to recover. Officials are investigating the incident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this dog attack. I wish them the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite approximately 4.5 million Americans every year. About one in five dog bites require medical attention. In the year 2006, more than 31,000 people suffered serious injuries that required reconstructive surgery following a dog attack.

Dog Bite Law

Under California law, dog owners can be held liable for the actions of 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."

It would be in the best interests of victims to contact a knowledgeable Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will fight for their rights, protect their best interests and hold the negligent dog owner accountable. Compensation may also be available through the dog owner's homeowner's insurance policy. Victims in dog bite cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress.