A 4-year-old boy in Riverside was hospitalized after he suffered severe dog bite injuries when a neighbor's Golden Retriever mix bit him in the face the night of June 19, 2009, The Press-Enterprise reports. The child, who has not been identified, suffered multiple punctures to his face. His parents told officials that the boy, who was playing in a neighbor's yard without supervision may have accidentally stepped on the dog's tail. Animal Control officials impounded the 2-year-old female dog and have quarantined it for 10 days. Officials have not yet decided whether the dog is aggressive or vicious. If it is determined to be so, the dog could be euthanized after the dog's owner has had a chance to appeal the decision.

My heart goes out to the little boy, who has apparently suffered severe dog bite injuries, particularly facial injuries in this Riverside dog attack. I wish the child the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Dog bite injuries, especially facial injuries, can be devastating for children and their parents. Very often, they require extensive plastic surgery and even after such expensive surgery, the injury can result in permanent scarring. Please keep this little boy in your prayers.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. Almost one in five of those who are bitten (about 885,000 people) require medical attention for dog bite-related injuries. In 2006, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of dog bite injuries. Dog bite-related injuries are highest among children between ages 5 and 9. Children are also more likely than adults to receive medical attention for dog bites.

California dog bite law is very clear about the rights of victims in such cases. In California a person bitten by a dog sues in state court under 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."

The victim's family in this Riverside dog bite case would be well-advised to consult with experienced California personal injury attorneys, who will look into whether any negligence was present and ensure that the victim's legal rights are protected. If this dog attack occurred as a result of negligence on the part of the dog owner, then the dog bite victim could receive compensation to cover cost of hospitalization, medication, reconstructive surgery, psychological counseling and other related expenses.

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