A dog bite incident in Riverside County resulted in injuries for a 12-year-old girl. The Press-Enterprise reports that the incident occurred the afternoon of January 29, 2012 near East Rider Street and Evans Road in Perris. Police say the girl was attacked by a pit bull. She was transported to an area hospital with dog bite injuries. But the nature and extent of her injuries is not known. The pit bull has been quarantined, but it is not know if the dog's owner will face any charges. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the injured victim of this dog attack. I pray that her injuries are not serious and that she recovers quickly and completely.

Dog Bite Law

California has a "strict liability statute," which means that dog owners can be held financially liable for all 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

Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their pets restrained. Especially if the dog has been deemed dangerous or vicious, dog owners have the responsibility to ensure that they are muzzled or kept in an enclosure so they don't pose a danger to neighbors. In this particular case, it is not clear how the dog escaped and under what circumstances the attack took place. Regardless of how or why the dog escaped, the owner in this case can be held liable for the girl's injuries.

It would be in the best interests of injured victims or their families in such cases to contact a skilled Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent dog owners are held liable. Injured dog bite victims can seek compensation from dog owners for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Pit Bull Attacks and Injures Girl in Riverside is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

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.

Dog Bite Incident in Riverside County Injures Two is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A dog bite incident in Valley Center, San Diego, resulted in major injuries for 21-year-old Richard Garritson and severe injuries for his brother John Garritson, 20. The San Diego Union Tribune reports that Richard Garritson was out on his usual run, along with his brother, his sisters, Meagan, 18, and Shelby, 15, as well as his 9-yer-old niece, the evening of November 27, 2011. It was then a pack of five or six pit bulls attacked him.

Officials say Richard Garritson was severely bitten on his lower legs and upper body. The dogs tore off chunks of flesh from his lower leg. His brother, John, who came to his assistance was also bitten. No one else was injured. The dogs' owner who lives nearby was called to the scene and helped restrain the dogs. Garritson, who is a competitive runner, had to undergo surgery. Officials are investigating the case to determine whether the dog owner should be charged. Four of the dogs have been euthanized with the owner's consent.

It is indeed fortunate that Richard Garritson was not killed in this brutal dog attack. My thoughts and prayers are with him as he heals from these severe injuries. Doctors have apparently told him that he will be able to run again. I pray for his and his brother's speedy and complete recovery.

Pit Bull Attacks

According to Dogsbite.org, a web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in the three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent or 52 incidents involved pit bulls, followed by Rottweilers (14 percent), American bulldog and Husky (5 percent each). This dog bite fatality finding is generally consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which states that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of fatal dog attacks.

Laws and Liability Issues

California has a "strict liability statute" when it comes to dog attacks. What this means is that dog owners shall be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by their pets regardless of where the attack occurs, and irrespective of whether the owner knew about the animals' prior viciousness. In this case, the victims can seek compensation from the dog owner for medical expenses, cost of surgery, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims in such cases would be well advised to seek the counsel of a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding negligent dog owners accountable.

San Diego Dog Attack Seriously Injures Two is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A 67-year-old man who was injured in a brutal dog bite incident in Glendora was identified by officials as former Compton fire chief Milford Fonza. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the dog attack occurred early morning on October 10, 2011 in the 1600 block of South Sunflower Avenue. Fonza told officials he was taking an early morning walk when he was attacked by two pit bulls that were loose on the street. He fought off the dogs for nearly four minutes when Glendora Police Officer Matt Fenner came to his rescue by striking one of the dogs with his car and shooting the other. Both the animals died. Fonza sustained puncture wounds all over his body and a broken shoulder. Police are still looking for the dogs' owner. An investigation is ongoing.

I sympathize with Milford Fonza, the victim of this horrific dog attack. I pray for his quick and complete recovery. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dog Bite Law

Based on this news report, it appears that the dogs were not on leash and were running loose on the street. Officials are still looking for the owner of the two pit bulls. California has a strict liability statute which means that dog owners will be held responsible 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."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

Dog attack victims usually incur significant expenses including medical costs, cosmetic surgery expenses, cost of medication and even psychological counseling. In addition, to these expenses, victims can also seek compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise dog bite victims about their legal rights and options. Often, victims will also be able receive compensation through the dog owner's home insurance policy. Negligent dog owners should be held accountable.

Pit Bull Attack in Glendora Causes Severe Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Dog bites in California are an unfortunate thing. They happen all the time but not all of them are reported. In fact, about 4.7 million dog bites happen in the United States each year, and with California's massive population, we receive our fair share. It's a sad fact, but knowing what to do after a dog bite can mean the difference between peace of mind and suffering.

Unfortunately, most of the victims of dog bites are children and the majority of their injuries are to their face and neck. These injuries can be devastating and most require medical attention.

Three Burdens of Proof

To have a strong and solid dog bite case in California you need to prove three essential items.

1. The defendant owned the dog
2. You (or the plaintiff) was lawfully on the premises where the dog bite took place
3. The dog bite directly caused your injuries

Proving these three things and gathering evidence will be the main points of your case. Taking photographs, collecting witness statements, noting geographic details about where the dog bite took place, and getting all of the dog owner's information are crucial pieces of evidence in your case.

If you've been hurt and need help with this, please give us a call at 1-866-990-8787 to talk about your options and receive a free consultation to help you formulate a game plan going forward. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

California Dog Bites - A Quick Guide is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Authorities in the San Francisco Bay Area have identified one of two dog bite victims injured the morning of September 10, 2010, as 52-year-old Janelle Dalson. The woman was jogging in the 600 block of Pavilion Drive in Hanfield when she was attacked by three dogs. Neighbors shot the dogs – a bull mastiff, pit bull mix and American bulldog – two times, once when they attacked Dalson and again when they attacked another female jogger. Both women sustained serious injuries, but are expected to survive.

I hope neither of the women has suffered permanent scarring as a result of the dog attack. I wish them both the very best for a swift and full physical and emotional recovery. Please keep these victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Dog Bite Law

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."

This law means that dog owners are responsible for their pets and any personal injuries that their dogs cause to others. There are very few exceptions to this law. Dog owners can be held financially responsible for medical expenses, loss of wages and other damages that victims have to undergo as a result of the attack.

Victims' Claim for Compensation

Injured victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent dog owners are held accountable for their actions. Dog bite injuries can be extremely costly.

Many victims are not only physically affected but also face serious psychological consequences because they are emotionally traumatized by the attack. We're not just talking about kids here. Adults have serious psychological issues such as fear, insecurity and paranoia as well after a dog attack. An experienced dog bite lawyer can advise victims and their families in such cases about how to pursue their legal rights in such cases.

Do you have dangerous or vicious dogs in your neighborhood?

a The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well. Call 866-456-5235 for assistance.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

Two Joggers Injures in Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

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.

Dog Bites, Seriously Injures 5-year-old is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

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.

Pit Bull Bites and Seriously Injures California Census Worker is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Two people sustained serious personal injuries after they were attacked on a Los Angeles street by three 100-pound bullmastiffs the morning of April 16, 2010. According to a Fox News report, the dogs attacked a woman on Slauson Avenue and in neighboring West 58th Place. Those who saw the horrific incident told police that they heard the woman's cries for help after she was surrounded and mauled by the three large dogs that were running loose in the neighborhood. A man driving by stopped to come to the woman's rescue. But he was also bitten by the dogs and injured. Both were taken to a local hospital. Police shot and killed one of the dogs and confiscated the other two. An investigation is ongoing.

I hope that these dog bite victims did not sustain major injuries. I pray for their quick and complete recovery. It is indeed fortunate, given the circumstances of this dog attack, that neither of the victims was fatally injured.

Strict Liability Statute

If the details of this news report are accurate, the dogs were running loose in the neighborhood. It is not clear how they got out of their home and on to the street. Under California law, dog owners are liable for injuries caused to others by their animals. In California, this is known as the "strict liability statute."

What this means is that dog owners are responsible for their pets no matter what, whether the victim is attacked in a public or private property. The only exceptions are when the animal was provoked or tortured or if the dog bit a trespasser, burglar or assailant. Under this statute, dog owners can be held financially responsible even if he or she was not aware of the dog's prior viciousness.

Pursuing Your Rights

Injured victims in such incidents would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will make sure that the negligent owners are held responsible and that the victim receives just compensation for his or her injuries and/or losses.

What precautions do you take in your neighborhood to prevent dog attacks? Do you believe there are dangerous or vicious dogs in your neighborhood?

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.

Bullmastiffs Attack and Injure Two in Los Angeles is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A 6-month-old baby sustained major injuries in a dog bite incident after he was mauled by pit bulls in an apartment. The Press-Enterprise reports that the child was left unattended in an infant carrier on the floor of the apartment on April 3, 2010 when a pit bull and a pit bull mix tore the baby's diaper and bit his scrotum, severing his testicles. The mother of the child, 22-year-old Carrie McKinney – was visiting her friend identified as Doug Ritchey, also the dogs' owner. The infant was taken to an area hospital. His current condition is not known.

This is a horrific incident, which should have never happened. I hope this child has not sustained life-threatening injuries although the consequences of this incident, should the baby survive, may be life-long. Please pray for this child's recovery and well-being. He will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pit Bull Statistics

During the five-year period between January 1, 2005 and March 8, 2010, 158 dog attacks took place in the United States, according to data gathered by the victims' safety advocacy group, Dogsbite.org. Pit bulls were involved in 56 percent of these attacks. Rottweilers accounted for 15 percent of dog bite fatalities. Together, pit bulls and Rottweilers accounted for 70 percent of all dog attacks.

If the details of this news report are accurate, the baby's mother left her child in a room with two pit bulls, alone and unsupervised, leading to these horrific and catastrophic injuries. This incident is yet another tragic reminder that parents should never, ever, leave their children alone in the presence of any dog or animal, let alone aggressive breeds of dog such as pit bulls or Rottweilers.

This 6-month-old baby strapped in a carrier could certainly not have provoked these dogs. This child is now another victim of negligence. If your child or a loved one has been injured by the actions of a negligent dog owner, please understand that you do have rights. 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."

An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. Please remember that the dog owner's homeowners insurance will also cover injuries and damages caused by dog bites.

Should California make breed bans legal?

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 Lawyers News" They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Infant Severely Injured in Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News