Emako Mendoza, 76, who was brutally mauled in a San Diego dog bite incident in June, died from her injuries on December 24, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Mendoza's husband said that her kidneys were shutting down and she was having trouble breathing. According to the testimony given in a September court hearing regarding the attack, the two pit bulls escaped the yard of Alba Cornelio, 39, and her daughter, Carla Cornelio, 20 by pushing through a gap in their fence. The dogs attacked Mendoza and left her catastrophically injured. Mendoza underwent eight surgeries since the vicious attack, including amputations of her left leg below the knee and left arm below the elbow. Most recently, she also had to have her right leg amputated.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Emako Mendoza’s husband, James, her friends and family members for what they have undergone over the last six months and their terrible loss at this time. My heart especially goes out to James Mendoza who had to watch his wife suffer through the pain and endure eight surgeries. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pit Bull Attacks

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. About 800,000 victims seek medical attention and 386,000 need emergency treatment as a result of dog attacks. According to statistics gathered by Dogsbite.org, between the years 2006 and 2008, pit bulls accounted for 52 dog attack fatalities. During those same years, pit bulls accounted for 59 percent of all fatal dog attacks, while pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for a combined 73 percent of all dog-related fatalities.

Responsibility of Dog Owners

Based on this news report, Carla and Alba Cornelio were both charged with two felony counts as well as misdemeanor charges related to owning dogs that have caused great bodily injury and failing to protect the public from their animals. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. It is not clear if they will face additional charges now that the victim has died from injuries.

Regardless of what criminal charges or penalties negligent dog owners face, under California law, they can be held civilly liable for injuries and damages caused by their pets. According to California Civil Code Section 3342 (a), “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.”

In this particular case, Mendoza's immediate family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent dog owners seeking compensation to cover all medical expenses, surgery and hospitalization costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims' families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing their legal rights.

Woman Dies from Injuries Suffered in San Diego Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Thousands upon thousands of dog bites happen every day in the United States, and over 4.5 million happen every year. It might not seem like it, but they are a fairly common occurrence. There are several things you need to know in case you are bitten or injured, and knowing these tips and tricks will go a long way in your personal injury case.

With an ever-growing population and more houses and apartments going up every day, more dogs will be entering our communities. Oddly, dog bite incidents have risen over the years while dog ownership has stayed the same. The only conclusion one can deduce from these findings is that dog bites and dog attacks are mostly random acts. You need to be prepared.

Burdens of Proof

There are three, crucial items you must prove to have a good dog bite case. Proving these three things are absolutely necessary:

1. The dog bit you
2. You were lawfully on the premises where the attack occurred
3. You suffered the injuries directly from the dog bite

Securing evidence right away is another important ingredient to a good case. Things such as photographs, witness statements, geographic information, and personal information of the dog's owner will go a long way in supporting your case.

Dog owners are responsible for their dog's actions. They need to be held responsible, both morally and financially. Please give us a call at 1-866-990-8787 to discuss your case and receive your free consultation regarding your dog bite case. Don't wait too long, you need to act immediately.

Dog Bites - A Quick Guide is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A dog bite incident in the City Heights area of San Diego resulted in injuries for a man and two girls the morning of August 28, 2011. 10News reports that the incident involving a pit bull happened on Auburn Drive near Euclid Avenue when a dog attacked two girls, both 6. The man in possession of the dog, identified as David Powell, reportedly told officials that he was taking care of the dog.

But a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune states that the person whom Powell identified as the pit bull's owner denied that he was the dog owner. One of the girls suffered cuts to her face, arm and fingers, requiring stitches. The other girl was bitten on the neck and Powell himself was bitten on his hand. An investigation is ongoing.

I hope none of these victims was seriously injured. This incident could have been a lot worse. I pray for their swift and full recovery.

Dog Bite Statistics

Although pit bull advocates continue to maintain that this breed of dog is harmless, statistics suggest otherwise. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a study conducted over a 20-year period showed that pit bulls were behind a third of all deadly dog attacks nationwide. Dog attacks, especially when they involve young children, can result in death or serious injury.

Strict Liability Statute

In this particular case, there seem to be conflicting reports about who the dog owner is. This is important information to have because under California law, the owner of the dog can be held civilly liable for injuries and damages caused. 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."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence may have been involved, dog bite victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. Dog bite victims can seek compensation from negligent dog owners for medical expenses, cosmetic surgery costs, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Dog Attack Injures Three in San Diego is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Officials have identified a 46-year-old woman who was seriously injured in a dog bite incident in Yucca Valley the morning of July 25, 2011 as Jaqueline Sharp. KCDZ radio reports that the brutal dog attack happened when Sharp was attacked by two pit bulls on her neighbor's driveway. She was severely injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officials are looking into how or why this attack occurred.

My heart goes out to the injured victim of this dog attack. I wish Jacqueline Sharp the very best for a swift and full recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to Dogsbite.org, a web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in a three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent or 52 incidents involved pit bulls. This dog bite fatality finding is generally consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which stated that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of fatal dog attacks followed by German shepherds. Dog attacks involving these powerful breeds can also result in serious injury.

California's 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." This means that in California, dog owners can be held liable for injury or harm caused by their pets regardless of the dog's prior history of viciousness.

Protecting Dog Bite Victims' Rights

In such cases, victims can seek compensation from the dog owner for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, and even cosmetic surgery where dog bites cause severe scarring. Some scars cannot even be fixed with plastic surgery. Victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will better explain their legal rights and options.

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

Pit Bulls Attack and Seriously Injure San Bernardino Woman is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A man identified as 57-year-old Jesus Martinez and a police officer were injured in a dog bite incident in San Bernardino County after both were attacked by the same pit bull. The Press-Enterprise reports that the incident occurred near State Street the morning of July 9, 2011. Martinez was attacked by the dog when he was walking his own dogs. He was bitten on both his arms. Two police officers responded to the incident and located the pit bull. The dog lunged at them and bit one of the officers. The other officer then fatally shot the dog.

I hope neither Martinez nor the officer sustained major injuries. I pray that they recover swiftly and fully from whatever injuries they have sustained.

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 two breeds of dogs – pit bulls and rottweilers.

Laws and Liability Issues

Under California law, dog owners are responsible for injuries and damages caused by their pets. It doesn't matter whether the dog attack happens on public or private property or whether the dog had behaved viciously in the past. The only exceptions may be in cases when the dog bite occurred during the commission of a crime or if the dog had been provoked in some way or abused.

Dog bite victims can seek compensation from the animal's owner for damages including but not limited to medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization, surgeries including cosmetic procedures and therapy costs. Injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will remain on their side, fight for their rights and hold the negligent parties liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Seriously injured in a San Bernardino 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 Montclair dog attack. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Bernardino 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.

Two Injured in San Bernardino Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

An elderly woman who sustained catastrophic injuries in a San Diego dog bite incident has been identified as 75-year-old Emako Mendoza. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the dog attack occurred the morning of June 18, 2011 when two of her neighbor's pit bulls escaped from their yard and came into her backyard. Mendoza was brutally mauled by the dogs and had to have a leg amputated. Officials are investigating the incident to see if any criminal charges should be filed against the dogs' owner.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mendoza as she deals with the physical and emotional trauma following this vicious dog attack. She has apparently sustained catastrophic injuries and remains in critical condition. I wish her a swift and full recovery.

Dog Bites

According to Dogsbite.org, a web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in a three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent or 52 incidents involved pit bulls. This dog bite fatality finding is generally consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which stated that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of fatal dog attacks.

Laws and Liability Issues

Under California law, dog owners are liable for any injuries or damages suffered as a result of their pets. Regardless of whether the person is bitten on public or private property and irrespective of whether the owner knew about the dog's propensity to become vicious, dog owners can be held financially responsible for injuries and damages. The only exceptions are when a dog has been provoked or abused or if the injured person was trespassing or in the process of committing a crime on the dog owner's property.

Victims of San Diego dog bite injuries would greatly benefit from a consultation with a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Injured victims can seek compensation for all medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, surgeries, cosmetic procedures, and pain and suffering. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

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.

Woman Seriously Injured in San Diego Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

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.

Man Severely Injured in Dog Bite Incident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A suspected DUI collision in Tulare County left two people dead and three seriously injured the night of September 24, 2010. The Fresno Bee reports that the fatal collision happened at the intersection of Road 208 and Avenue 96 near Terra Bella, when 23-year-old Adrian Ramos drove through a stop sign and crashed into a vehicle driven by Manuel Valencia, 69. Two passengers in Valencia's vehicle were fatally injured. Valencia and another passenger, Juan Hernandez, 49, were transported to a local hospital with major injuries. Ramos was booked on suspicion of felony DUI.

I offer my deepest condolences to the families of these deceased victims for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also pray that Valencia and Hernandez make a full recovery from their serious injuries.

DUI Collisions

There were 21 fatalities and 214 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in Tulare County, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 65 people died and 1,724 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, officials are saying that Ramos was under the influence and ran a stop sign at the intersection. Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a).

California law also requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."
It would be in the best interests of the families of deceased victims in such cases to seek the counsel of a reputed Fresno personal injury lawyer, who has experience and a successful track record holding drunk drivers financially responsible for the injuries and damages they have caused. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

In your opinion, how many strikes should DUI offenders get before they lose their driving privilege?

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well. Call 866-456-5235 for assistance.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

Suspected Drunk Driver Blamed in Tulare Fatal Car Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

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.

2-year-old Killed in Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

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.

Long Beach Dog Attack Causes Serious Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report