A 3-year-old boy in Winton, California, was severely injured in a dog bite incident after his family's pit bull suddenly and viciously attacked him. According to a news report in the Turlock Journal, the dog attack occurred the evening of November 7, 2011 in the 7000 block of Royalty Avenue in Winton. Officials say the adult male pit bull was in the backyard when the victim's older brother opened the patio door.

The dog charged in and went straight for the little boy without any provocation whatsoever. Family members intervened and were able to chase the dog back outside. The boy was bitten on his head and face, but is expected to survive. Officials are not filing criminal charges because they have not found evidence of neglect. The pit bull has been surrendered by his owners and will likely be euthanized.

My heart goes out to this little boy who is lucky to be alive after this brutal dog attack. It is indeed fortunate that the adults in the home were able to chase the dog away before it was too late. I pray for this child's 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. 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.

The Law Relating to Dog Attacks

Although pit bull advocates and activists would have us believe that these dogs are not inherently dangerous, statistics have consistently shown the opposite to be true. In this case, the dog was owned by a family member. Under California law, dog owners can be held civilly liable for the damages caused by their pets.

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."

Protecting Victims' Rights

In such cases, dog bite victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the victims' rights are protected. Injured victims can seek compensation from negligent dog owners to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Toddler Mauled by Family's Pit bull is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Alfredo Ramos, 35, Rafael Marquez Arce, 65, and Rita Torres, 71, were injured in a vicious dog bite incident after they were mauled by two loose, 70-pound dogs. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the dog attack happened the afternoon of April 26, 2011 in Wilmington. The incident occurred when Ramos and his mother-in-law, Torres, were walking home after picking up his son and another child from school.

Brutal Dog Attack

When they saw the dogs, a male boxer and American bulldog mix, and a male pit bull terrier and Akita mix, they told the children to run ahead. The dogs first attacked Torres, biting her buttocks and legs. When Ramos ran toward the dogs to protect her, they went after him. They bit off a chunk of his arm and calf and bit him repeatedly on my foot. Ramos tried to run and leap over a fence, but the dogs grabbed him. He finally jumped on top of a neighbor's car.

The dogs then ran to a nearby park and attacked Arce who was sitting on a bench. Several children who were playing in the park and their parents scrambled for safety. Thankfully the dogs were stopped by a man who lured them away with a blanket. All three were injured. Ramos sustained the most injuries and had to get 60 stitches. The dogs' owner has been cited for letting dangerous dogs run free.

My heart goes out to Ramos, Arce and Torres who have not only suffered serious injuries, but have also been emotionally traumatized by this horrific dog attack. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. It is indeed fortunate that none of the children in the neighborhood were harmed in the attack.

California Dog Bite Law

I'm glad to hear that the owner has been cited for letting his dogs run loose in the neighborhood. According to Ramos, he has seen the dogs running around the neighborhood in a menacing manner before. In addition to criminal prosecution, negligent owners in such cases can also be held financially responsible for the resulting injuries.

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

Injured victims of dog attacks can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, cosmetic surgery and even psychological counseling. In California, compensation may be obtained from the dog owner's homeowner insurance policy as well. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Seriously injured in a Los Angeles dog attack case? 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 Wilmington dog bite incident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles 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.

Three Injured in Los Angeles Area Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

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.

Pit Bull Severely Injures 7-year-old Oakland Girl is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Two-year-old Jacob Bisbee was killed in a dog bite incident in Concord after he was attacked by three of his step-grandfather's pit bulls the morning of July 22, 2010. According to a news report in the Contra Costa Times, the fatal dog attack occurred in the 1700 block of Trailcreek Court, when little Jacob walked into the garage where the three dogs were kept. The pit bills brutally attacked the child causing fatal injuries. Jacob was taken to a local hospital where he died.

His step grandfather, Steven Hayashi, 52, has been arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment and possession of mischievous animals resulting in death. Hayashi's five dogs were euthanized by animal service shortly after the attack. Although Jacob's grandmother and uncle were home, it is not clear whether Jacob was supervised and how or why he got into the garage.

Tragic Death of a Child

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved little Jacob Bisbee. This tragic dog attack could have and should have been prevented. Hayashi had not one, but five ferocious dogs in a house where there were at least two young children. Why was this victim left unsupervised? Why was the garage door not secured at the time? This boy died tragically and unnecessarily. I trust the dog owner in this case will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Statistics Relating to Dog Bites

Dog bite statistics consistently show that pit bulls cause the majority of fatal dog attacks and the most serious personal injuries in the United States. According to a report released by Dogsbite.org, during the five-year period between January 1, 2005 and March 8, 2010, 158 fatal dog attacks took place in the United States. Pit bulls were responsible for 56 percent of these attacks. This amounts to a pit bull killing an American every 21.5 days. The numbers also show that there were 32 dog bite-related deaths in 2009 – 14 caused by pit bulls and four by Rottweilers.

Should Pit Bulls Be Banned?

Concord city officials attempted to change the city's laws relating to pit bulls, after pit bulls mauled an 11-year-old in 2005. However, they could not act to ban this breed because California laws prohibit breed bans. In this particular case, several neighbors have told the newspaper that they had felt threatened on previous occasions by Hayashi's dogs. Some complained to the city, but got a response from officials saying that Hayashi did nothing wrong or illegal. It is tragic that it took the death of this little boy for the city to be able to confiscate the pit bulls and destroy them.
Dog bite victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out more information about how to pursue their legal rights.

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.

Dog Attack Fatally Injures Toddler is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Portland Police Officer Steven Gandy has lost part of his thigh after a dog bite he suffered on April 12, 2010. According to a KOIN news report, Gandy was responding to a drug house complaint on Southeast 148th Avenue when he was attacked by a pit bull. Gandy continued the investigation and did not seek medical attention until he was done with his shift. Gandy was treated and released, but the dog bite wound became infected. He had to undergo surgery to remove a badly infected portion of his upper right thigh. He is apparently still struggling to overcome the infection and is on several antibiotics. The pit bull is in the custody of animal control officers and is being held as evidence in the case.

I sympathize with this police officer for what he is going through. I hope he has not suffered any catastrophic injuries as a result of this dog attack and wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. He 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 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.

Law and Liability Issues

Oregon is one of the states that still follow the "one bite rule." This means that in Oregon, the owner of the dog is strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog only if the owner knows or has reason to know of the animal's propensity to be dangerous or vicious. In such cases, victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, surgery, loss of future income, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Injured victims and their families of such dog attacks would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent dog owners are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

In what ways would you like your local dangerous dog laws to change?

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.

Portland Police Officer Severely Injured in Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

The British government last week proposed that dog owners be forced to get microchips and take out insurance for their pets, according to an Associated Press news report. Law makers say this law will target irresponsible dog owners who breed and keep dogs for the sole purpose of intimidating others. Use of microchips, they say, will help track down the owners of dogs involved in dog bite incidents or attacks, while liability insurance will ensure that dog bite victims are compensated for their injuries.

Dog attacks have apparently developed into a significant issue in Britain over the last several years. Hospital admissions, court cases and dog fights have proliferated. About 6,000 mail carriers are bitten each year. Also, since 2006, at least five children have been killed in dog attacks.

Mandatory Liability Insurance

The proposed law has drawn mixed reaction, as is to be expected. Those who oppose the law say it will penalize millions of law-abiding owners with a "dog tax." They say the government should focus on education and go after the breeders who supply dangerous dogs, rather than innocent dog owners. While microchips are a smaller issue, the debate is largely about mandatory liability insurance, which could cost dog owners hundreds of dollars a year, especially if they own "high-risk" breeds of dogs such as pit bulls and Rottweilers.

I absolutely agree with the British government's plan. In fact, the U.S. government and other local governments must adopt such a law to protect the people in their communities. How many stories have we read about someone who was attacked or killed by a loose dog, but that the dog owner could not be located? Microchips will help law enforcement officials track down the dog owner.

Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable

More importantly, insurance coverage will help compensate the injured victim. Why should a victim pay because an irresponsible dog owner could not control his or her dog? The expenses from a dog attack can be significant and can include medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgery and even cosmetic surgery, which is warranted in many dog bite cases to mend the scars.

In California, dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets under the state's strict liability statute. But if the owners cannot be found or held responsible, it unfairly leaves the victim saddled with medical bills and other associated expenses. As a California personal injury lawyer who represents dog bite victims, I urge our local governments to require mandatory liability insurance coverage for all dogs. It is especially necessary for those dog owners who own dangerous or vicious dogs or breeds of dogs known to be dangerous or vicious.

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.

British Government Might Make Microchips and Liability Insurance Mandatory for all Dog Owners is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A San Diego police officer had to shoot a pit bull four times to avoid a dog bite incident the morning of January 17, 2010 in the Clairemont Mesa area. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the officers were called to Derrick Avenue and Genesee Drive after a woman reported that two pit bulls were loose in the neighborhood and were behaving aggressively toward people in the area, including an elderly couple.

Menacing Dogs Shot

The woman who reported the dogs told police she had to jump into the back of a pickup truck to get away from the loose dogs. When the officers arrived on scene, the dogs charged at them. That's when one of the officers fired. One dog was struck while the other ran away. The second dog was found later and its owner was cited. The 1-year-old pit bull that was shot was euthanized later.

I'm relieved that no one sustained serious personal injuries in this incident. These dogs could have certainly caused a great deal of damage. I'm glad there were no children playing in the area either. It's frightening to even think about what might have happened had these dogs jumped on elderly pedestrians or young children in the area.

Police Dog Shootings in 2008

According to a report recently released by Seattle-based advocacy group, Dogsbite.org, there were 372 incidents in the United States in 2008 involving citizens and police shooting pit bulls in order to stop or prevent a dog attack. Nationwide, 319 pit bulls died from the 626 bullets that were fired and 148 people sustained dog bite injuries. Also, three of these injuries were serious enough to require amputations and six of these dog bite victims involved in these incidents died.

Irresponsible Dog Owners Should be Held Accountable

In this particular case, the owner or owners of these two pit bulls that were running around loose and terrorizing this San Diego neighborhood, should certainly be held accountable. Under California law, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, whether or not the dog has had an incident in the past or whether or not the owner is aware of its prior viciousness. Counties and cities are also beginning to go after dog owners by filing criminal charges against them. If you have been injured as a result of a dog bite, please consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer to find out more about your legal rights and options.

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.

San Diego Police Prevent Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

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.

Dog Attacks and Kills Toddler is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal