Police in San Jose have identified the elderly man who was seriously injured in a December 29, 2010 dog bite incident as Bob Ferguson. The San Jose Mercury News reports that the unprovoked dog attack occurred in the Blossom Hill area. Ferguson, 78, was walking his own smaller dog, when two large dogs - a boxer and a Labrador - which were running loose in the neighborhood, charged and attacked him. He was severely bitten on his left ear, head and arm. Ferguson was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Local animal control officials are in the process of conducting a dangerous dog investigation.
I sympathize with Bob Ferguson for the painful injuries and emotional trauma he must have suffered in this dog attack. I pray for his swift and full recovery.
Strict Liability Statute
Dog bite victims in California can file a lawsuit against a negligent dog owner under what is known as the "strict liability statute." 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 in California can be held civilly liable for injuries their dogs cause to innocent victims. Local law enforcement agencies are also recommending criminal prosecution in cases where the dog owners' negligence led to serious injuries.
Victims' Claim for Compensation
In such cases, dog attack victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery or even psychological counseling. Injured victims are often left facing costly bills because dog owners are not located or identified or because the dog owner has no liability insurance. Injured dog bite victims or their families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a skilled San Francisco personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and hold the negligent parties accountable.
Seriously injured in a San Francisco injury accident? 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 Jose dog attack. Call 866-456-5235. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Francisco 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.