January 16, 2012--Sacramento, CA--a nine-year-old boy is recovering from surgery for major wounds inflicted when he was attacked by a pit bull dog on January 14.  The boy's grandmother was also treated and released for injuries to her foot when the dog bit her as well.

A witness described the scene as "horrible."  Pat Nunes, a neighbor of the boy, attempted to intervene, trying to pull the dog off, but was unable to save the child.  Sheriff’s deputies were called, and finally shot and killed the dog.

The boy was admitted to the hospital and underwent surgery for injuries to the arm and head.  He is still recovering, and authorities have not released any details on his condition.

My prayers and hopes for a speedy recovery go out for this little boy, and my support for his family in this terrible time.

Dog Bite Statistics

There were 4.5 million dog bites in the United States between 2001 and 2003, according to the Center for Disease Control.  Approximately 350,000 of these victims are seen in emergency rooms each year.  In 2010, there were 34 fatal dog bite injuries.  Each year, an estimated $1 billion is paid in damages for dog bites in the United States.

In 2008, 65 percent of all fatal dog attacks were by pit bulls.  Although any type of dog is potentially dangerous, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Akita chows accounted for the majority of all fatal attacks.

What Caused This Accident?

The cause of the attack by this dog remains unknown at this time, but dogs have often attacked with no provocation.  It is possible that something triggered the dog, but it is equally likely that the dog simply escaped from its confines, saw the child, and attacked.

Until the facts of the case are known, it will be difficult to determine exactly what happened.  Fortunately, there are witnesses to the attack, so hopefully a full report will be forthcoming shortly.

Liability Issues

While the complete facts are still unavailable, what is indisputable is that this dog attacked and mauled a child.  Because of this, liability is certain to attach to the dogs owners.

It is also possible that liability will attach to anyone who was involved in allowing the dog to be released to bite the child.  For example, if a neighbor opened a gate which allowed the dog to escape from a fenced yard, it is possible that the neighbor could be liable for negligence in this act.

A professional personal injury attorney should be able to examine the facts of the case once they are known and make a determination as to liability.  It is very probable that a large personal injury case will be filed at some point against the person or persons liable for this terrible accident. The family of the boy would be well advised to consult with skilled California dog bite lawyers.

A 9-year-old boy and an elderly woman were injured in a dog bite incident the morning of January 14, 2012. According to a news report in the Sacramento Bee, the brutal pit bull attack occurred at a home in the 7000 block of Third Parkway in South Sacramento. Police responded to a call from the home. When officers arrived they found an injured elderly woman and the boy with a head injury and severe injury to one of his arms. They say the child was attacked when he walked into the backyard. The boy was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. The woman is said to be recovering from her injuries. Deputies shot the pit bull when it tried to jump over a backyard fence and escape.

My heart goes out to both victims of this vicious dog attack. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

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. Also, according to CDC statistics, more than half of all fatal dog bite incidents in the United States involve just two breeds of dogs – pit bulls and rottweilers.

Strict Liability in Dog Attacks

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the boy was in his own home or if he was visiting someone at the time. Under California's "strict liability statute," dog owners can be held liable 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."

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Injured dog bite victims often undergo quite a few medical expenses including emergency room costs, surgery, hospitalization, and even cosmetic procedures. Not all of these treatments may be covered by health insurance. In California, the dog owner's homeowner insurance policy will usually cover damages caused by a dog attack. Under certain circumstances, a landlord may also be held liable for allowing a dangerous dog to reside on the property. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of a vicious dog attack and ensure that victims are fairly compensated for their losses.

DogsBite.org, a web site, which does advocacy work for dog bite victims, recently released its 2011 numbers on dog bite fatalities nationwide. According to the a news release issued by the group, there were 31 fatal dog attacks last year. As was the case the year before, pit bulls were involved in more fatal attacks than any other breed.

Pit bulls were involved in 71 percent of all fatal dog attacks in the year 2011 despite only making up 5 percent of the U.S. dog population. Of the victims killed in pit bull attacks, 68 percent were between the ages of 32 and 76 and 32 percent were 5 years old or younger. Among cases involving a pet owner being killed by his or her own dog, the breed of the dog was a pit bull 88 percent of the time. Pit bulls are not, however, the only breed commonly associated with causing fatal injuries.

Dangerous Dog Breeds

Pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for a combined 84 percent of all fatal dog attacks in the United States. This number is slightly higher than in past years. In the seven-year period from 2005 to 2011, pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for a combined 73 percent of all recorded dog attack related deaths (156 out of 213). While rottweilers are consistently the number two most dangerous breed, they account for a substantially smaller amount of fatalities than pit bulls. Over the last seven years, pit bulls killed 127 people, while rottweilers caused 29 fatal injuries.

Based on this news report, California and Texas led the rest of the nation in dog bite-related fatalities in 2011 with four deaths each. Pit bulls accounted for 88 percent of all fatal attacks in those two states.

Laws and Liability Issues

In the state of California, the dog owner can be held liable for the damage his or her dog causes. California 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 would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will hold negligent owners accountable. Injured dog bite victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

In the United States, roughly 1,000 people need emergency care as a result of a dog bite each day. Man’s best friend is not always that, in fact a dog can quickly become your worst enemy. A recent study reported that there were 34 deadly dog attacks in the United States in 2010—the majority of the victims were boys aged 5-9 years. Most of these young boys were bitten in the face.

Perhaps the most tragic aspect of these attacks is that they are preventable.  The following information from The Humane Society can help you avoid the tragedy of a dog bite.

How to Prevent a Dog Bite

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog. This is especially important if the dog is fenced in or restrained.
• Do not pet a dog before letting it see and sniff you. This may sound silly, but this is true with any dog, even your own. Allowing the dog to inspect you first will increase the chances that the dog will remain calm and nonviolent.
• Do not run away. When you turn and run, a dog’s natural instinct will be to chase you. If the dog is already aggravated this could just increase the agitation.
• Don’t wake a dog, interrupt it while it is eating, or approach a dog that is caring for puppies. These actions can all be taken as a threat.

In the Event of an Attack

If you feel there is a threat from a dog the most important thing is to remain calm. Do not scream or run away. Stand as still as possible until the dog loses interest or if it does bite or attack try to get it to bite something else like a jacket or a bag you are carrying. Also, if the dog knocks you down or you fall curl into a ball, put your hands over your ears, and remain as still as possible.

When the dog goes away or you are able to get away, immediately call the police and tend to the wounds and seek emergency medical help if needed. After you receive medical attention you should take photos of the injuries sustained. Also, it is important to contact your local animal control giving as much information about the animal and the attack as possible (description of the dog, owners, if a stray where the incident occurred). You should also ask for the rabies certificate from the owners as well as find out if this animal has been violent before.

In Pennsylvania

In PA, dog owners are legally responsible for ensuring that their animals do not harm others and they must follow all animal control laws. However, under PA law dog bites are split into several categories, which can make it difficult to comprehend. To sum it up, dog owners are responsible for the medical bills of those injured by their pet even if the animal has no history of bad behavior. There are more severe rules that apply to dogs that do have a history of biting or attacking others.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a dog bite or attack, contact a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.

A police officer in Long Beach shot a pit bull after a dog bite incident, the night of October 10, 2011. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the pit bull attack occurred in the 1900 block of Pine Avenue. Patrol officials came to the area after reports of a dispute between two groups of people over the dog being loose. When police arrived they found that a man had been bitten by the pit bull. Officers were then directed to a nearby apartment building where the dog and its owner lived.

When officials went there, they saw the dog without a leash. The dog then charged at the officer biting at his leg. The officer shot the dog. The pit bull was taken to a veterinary hospital, but its condition is not known. The officer was not injured. The extent of the other man's injuries is not known. Police learned during their investigating that the dog had bitten another resident in the area during the week prior to this incident. Anyone with more information is asked to contact police at 562-570-7355 or send an anonymous tip via text or Web at www.tipsoft.com.

I truly hope none of the victims were seriously injured in these dog attacks. I wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I trust officials are looking into whether there are more victims who were injured by this loose pit bull.

California Dog Bite Law

Under California law, a dog owner can be held liable for personal injuries caused by his or her pet. 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 owners are also required under city ordinances to keep their dogs on a leash. In this case, not only was the dog without leash, but it was also running around the neighborhood apparently terrorizing neighbors for days. Were there any prior complaints to animal control about this particular dog or its owner? Had this dog been declared dangerous or vicious?

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experiencedLong Beach personal injury lawyer, who will ensure that their legal rights are protected and that negligent dog owners are held liable. Injured dog bite victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, medication, and other treatment costs. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Dog bites in Huntington Beach are on the rise, and if you've been bitten or attacked, you'll need the right law firm to represent you. The attorneys at Bisnar | Chase have been doing just that for over 30 years! They know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable for their actions.

Millions of dog bites happen each year in the United States, and most go unreported. What people don't know is that they're due just compensation for their injuries - both morally and financially.

Don't Suffer More Than You Need To From A Bite

If you can prove a few things, you just might have a case. If the dog bit you, caused you injuries, and you were legally on the premises where the attack happened, you have a case! The dog's owner is responsible for the dog's actions.

Most dog bite cases are quickly litigated and are "open-and-shut" cases. There's not much of a defense against a dog bite, since it's something that happens on a regular basis. There are around 4.7 million dog bites in this country every year.

If you've been injured by a dog bite in Huntington Beach, please call the best dog bite attorneys around at 1-866-990-8787. They can help.

A Long Beach woman was injured in a dog bite incident involving two dogs – a pit bull, and a Rottweiler mix. According a news report in The Press Telegram, the dog attack occurred the afternoon of September 11, 2011 near Willow Street and Bellflower Boulevard. Officials say the woman tried to put her dogs in the garage when they suddenly turned on her and started attacking here. Police officers arrived on scene to find the woman being mauled by her own dogs. The officers first tried to stop the dogs, but then shot both when the animals attacked them. The pit bull died, but the other dog was taken to a veterinary hospital where it is receiving treatment. The injured owner suffered several bites to her upper and lower torso. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured dog owner. I truly hope her injuries were not serious. I wish her the very best for her speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this victim in your thoughts and prayers.

Dog Bite Statistics Involving Specific Breeds

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. Also, according to CDC statistics, more than half of all fatal dog bite incidents in the United States involve two breeds of dogs – pit bulls and rottweilers.

Dog Bite Law and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that in this case, the injured victim was also the owner of the dogs. However, there are many dog attacks where dog owner negligence results in innocent people getting injured. In such cases, injured victims can file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgery, and even therapy expenses.

California has a strict liability statute wherein dog owners will be held liable for the damages their pets cause. 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 would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of holding negligent dog owners accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has adopted an ordinance that gives animal control officers the authority to declare a dog vicious following a dog bite incident. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the ordinance changes the situation as it relates to vicious dogs significantly. Before this ordinance was passed, only a judge could find a dog "vicious." The ordinance, which will become effective in 30 days, will give county animal control officials that same authority. Pet owners can still appeal any decision, but they will be required to act within five days.

Arguments against the Ordinance

Critics of the ordinance say call it "a death sentence for exuberant puppies." They say the ordinance arms animal control officers with too much power, including the authority to euthanize the dogs. Animal rights activists, dog owners and attorneys also spoke out against the ordinance saying that it was slanted against dogs and their owners. County officials say the new ordinance will not only enhance public safety, but also save money on court costs.

Los Angeles County defines a vicious dog as one that is trained to fight or that, unprovoked, aggressively injures a person. The new ordinance also allows animal control officials to consider dog attacks in other jurisdictions before making a decision about the animal. Further, it expands the definition of a serious injury to include not just bites or fractures, but also, for instance, a heart attack suffered as a result of a brutal dog attack.

New Law Protects Communities

The news report states that the Board of Supervisors approved these amendments to the ordinance 5-0 and among those who voted "yes" was animal-lover, Supervisor Michael Antonovich. That tells me that the debate about vicious or dangerous dogs in our communities is not about whether or not you love animals. I love animals. We have two wonderful dogs in our home. But, I wholeheartedly support this ordinance because it has the potential to save lives.

How many dog attacks do we hear or read about each year that involves a dog or a pack of dogs roaming the neighborhood because of negligent dog owners? How many catastrophic injuries are suffered and lives lost because these vicious animals are let off the leash and into their neighborhoods by owners? Often, we hear about prior instances where the attacking dogs have terrorized neighbors, attacked another pet or neighbor. But these incidents go unreported sometimes. Other times, the animal control officers have to let it slide because they simply don't have the authority to step in, take action and protect the community right away.

As a dog owner and as a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who represents dog bite victims, I do not view this ordinance as a death sentence for all dogs. I look at it instead as just another tool to protect our communities from vicious dog attacks.

California Dog Bite Attorneys

Laws regarding dog bites in California can be considered strict compared to other states. If you are bitten by a person's dog they can be held liable, even if it is the dog's first offense. Do you feel this is fair? Yes No Depends on the severity of injuries Depends on if the victim is an adult or a child Current Results

A small dog was killed and its owner was injured in a dog bite incident at Carlsbad Beach the afternoon of June 29, 2011, 10News reports. Officials say Rene and Bill Hillman were walking their two small dogs – a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian – on the beach when a golden retriever mix attacked the Pomeranian.

Rene Hillman says her dog was only six pounds and the attacking dog, which was more than 100 pounds, tore apart the little dog. The golden retriever also bit Rene Hillman who tried to protect her dog. The Pomeranian died at the scene. The bigger dog and its owner fled the scene. Police are looking for the dog and its owner described as a white man in his early 20s with sandy brown hair.

My heart goes out to Rene and Bill Hillman for the loss of their dog, Ewok. Apparently both their dogs were models on the Hillmans' pet accessory website Cool Dawg Store. As a dog owner, I sympathize with the Hillmans who had to see their pet attacked and killed in front of their eyes. I also wish Rene Hillman the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I hope she did not suffer serious injuries.

Dog Owner's Liability

Based on this news report, it appears that the golden retriever mix that attacked the dog and Hillman was on a leash. However, it is not clear what the dog's owner was doing at the time of the attack. Why did he not try to stop it? What caused the dog to go berserk without provocation? Hillman says the big dog "came out of nowhere" and started attacking her smaller dog. Did this dog have a history of prior viciousness?

Under California's strict liability statute, dog owners are responsible for 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."

Protecting Dog Bite Victims' Rights

In this case the dog owner ran away leaving the dead dog and its injured, horrified owner on the beach. What kind of a person does that? This dog owner must be found and held liable. Victims of dog bites would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties in such cases are held accountable.

Seriously injured in a San Diego County dog bite incident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a San Diego dog attack. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Diego personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.