A man and his small dog were seriously injured in a Long Beach dog bite incident involving a pit bull. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the horrific attack happened near Livingston Drive and St. Joseph Avenue the night of April 6, 2010. The man and his dog were on the roadway when officers arrived. Both were severely bitten. When officers contacted the pit bull owner and attempted to confiscate the animal, the pit bull lunged at the officers. At that time, police shot the dog and killed it. The man and his pet were hospitalized with injuries, but are expected to survive.
I sympathize with this innocent victim who was doing nothing more than walking his dog in his neighborhood. I hope he has a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.
Unleashed Dog
Based on this news report, it appears that this aggressive pit bull was running loose in the neighborhood without a leash. It wasn't until police approached the dog owner that he actually leashed his dog. California law states that dog owners are liable for any personal injuries their pets cause, irrespective of the animals' prior viciousness. According to 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."
Claim for Compensation
Injured victims in dog bite cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, loss of earnings, emotional distress, cosmetic surgery and even psychological counseling. Victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer who can advise them about how to file a claim for compensation. In California, the dog owner's homeowner's insurance will also cover damages in dog bite cases.
What are some tips you would give to dog owners to prevent their dogs from attacking others?
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 Lawyer Report" They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
