2-year-old Killed in Dog Attack
A toddler who was fatally injured in a dog bite incident in the San Francisco Bay Area the morning of July 22, 2010 has been identified by local authorities as 2-year-old Jacob Bisbee. The Contra Costa Times reports that the fatal dog attack occurred in the family's home when Jacob walked into the garage and was attacked by three pit bulls belonging to his step-grandfather, 52-year-old Steven Hayashi. Jacob died at an area hospital. Hayashi has been arrested in connection with the incident on child endangerment charges.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the parents and family members of Jacob Bisbee. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Dog Bite Law
According to numbers released by Dogsbite.org, pit bulls and Rottweilers accounted for 70 percent of all dog attacks causing serious personal injuries or fatalities in the United States over the last five years.
In this particular case, the attacking dogs were owned by a family member. Under California law, if your dog attacks and injures another person, the dog owner can be held liable. California has a "strict liability law" when it comes to dog bites. 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 Issues
It would be in the best interest of an injured dog bite victim to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will hold the negligent dog owners accountable. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages (where applicable), cost of hospitalization and even cosmetic surgery and psychological counseling.
Do you believe pit bulls should be banned in California or nationwide? We would like to hear your opinions on this important issue.
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.
