Two loose pit bulls attacked and caused personal injuries to animal control officials who were responding to frightened neighbors being chased by the dogs. The Lake County News reports that the dog attack occurred in Mendocino County the morning of April 9, 2010. Police received calls from people who said they were being chased by pit bulls in the area of Laughlin Way and North State Street.
The two animal control officers who were injured in the attack were identified as George Hodgson and Torsten Werner. The more seriously injured in the attack was Werner, who was bitten on the hands and the groin area. Hodgson, a veteran animal control officer, struck the dog with his service weapon killing it. The other pit bull was confiscated. Werner sustained serious injuries, but they are not believed to have been life-threatening.
California Law Relating to Dog Bites
There is no question in this particular case that dog owner who allowed these two pit bulls to roam around the neighborhood and pose a serious threat to the community, should be held accountable. Under California law, dog owners are responsible for injuries 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.”
Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable
Based on this law, it is not necessary for a dog bite victim in California to prove that the dog was known to be vicious or had a propensity to bite. One bite is alone sufficient to support liability. Under California law, the injured victim is only required to prove that the defendant owned the dog, which bit the plaintiff; that the plaintiff was legally on the premises where the attack occurred; and that the dog bite caused the plaintiff's injuries.
A number of cities in California are now strengthening their dangerous dog ordinances with a view to make dog owners more responsible and accountable for the injuries and damages their pets cause. Some cities are also beginning to make it mandatory for dog owners to carry liability insurance. Injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will give them more information about how to pursue their legal rights in a dog bite case.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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