Omar Martinez, 3, was killed in a dog bite incident after his family's pit bull attacked him the afternoon of January 9, 2010. According to a news report in the San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal dog attack occurred at Omar's home in the 23500 block of Goshute Avenue. Police had to shoot and kill the pit bull, which was described as being "aggressive with the firefighters" who were attending to the injured and unresponsive boy.

Omar was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly after the attack. Fire officials said both Omar and his father were in the backyard with the dog. The pit bull apparently attacked the boy when the father went inside the house. Officials also say that there is no history of aggressive dogs at the home.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family, especially the parents of Omar Martinez, for their devastating loss. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to most recent dog bite statistics released by Dogsbite.org, there were 32 fatal dog attacks in the United States in 2009. Pit bulls led these attacks, accounting for 44 percent. Pit bulls, however, make up only 5 percent of the U.S. dog population. Between 2005 and 2009, also according to Dogsbite.org, pit bulls killed about 82 Americans, about one citizen every 22 days, versus rottweilers, which killed 21 Americans, about one every 87 days. The data also shows that 63 percent of the fatal attacks happened with children 11 years and under.

Dangerous Breeds?

No matter how cute or how adorable pit bull owners may think their dogs are, statistics have consistently shown that these are a dangerous breed of dogs, which have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries or even death. I'm not saying that these breeds of dogs are monsters. But, they seem to have the propensity to attack suddenly, without warning. Especially when it comes to infants or toddlers, something seems to set them off and soon, the children become the "prey" and these dogs, the "predators." In my opinion, having a pit bull or a rottweiler in your home is like having a loaded gun lying around in your house. It may never go off and no one may get hurt. But, if it does, the consequences are no doubt going to be tragic and devastating.

Claim for Compensation

If you have been injured as a result of a dog attack, please remember that you have rights. As a dog owner, you can also be held responsible under California law for the injuries and damages your pet causes to another. Victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages (where applicable), cost of surgeries or cosmetic procedures, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to better inform victims and their families about their legal rights and options in dog bite cases.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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