A pit bull attacked a young girl in Oakland causing serious personal injuries, according to a Bay City News report. Police officials say the brutal dog attack occurred the afternoon of July 25, 2010 when a pit bull terrier attacked the girl. Those who witnessed the incident told officials that the dog owner asked the 7-year-old girl if she wanted to pet the dog moments before the attack. The girl sustained severe facial injuries. Thankfully, she is expected to survive. An investigation is ongoing.

I sympathize with this little girl and her family for what they are going through at this time. I hope this child is not left with permanent scars on her face and pray for her quick and complete recovery.

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 followed by Rottweilers (14 percent), American bulldog and Husky (5 percent each). This dog bite fatality finding is more or less consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which states that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of fatal dog attacks.

Laws and Compensation Issues

California's strict liability statute holds dog owners responsible for their pets' actions – whether the attack occurs on public or private property. 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."
It would be in the best interests of the injured victims' families to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent dog owner is held financially responsible for the injuries and losses caused. If the dog owner also owns a home, then his or her homeowner's insurance should cover the loss and damages sustained by the dog bite victim.

Would you keep a pit bull in your house? Do you think the problem in pit bull attack cases has to do with the breed or the owner?

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.

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