A police officer was injured in a San Francisco area dog bite incident after he responded to a report of two loose dogs running around in a neighborhood. According to a Bay City News report, the officer responded to the call the morning of January 19, 2010 at the corner of Sycamore Drive and Palm Avenue in Hercules, California. The officer found the dogs -- a male and a female -- and was waiting for an animal control officer to arrive.
Sudden Attack
When he got out of his car, the male dog suddenly attacked him. The officer fired two shots killing that dog. Animal control officers took away the female dog. The officer suffered several bites and cuts to his left hand, right forearm and right knee. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his dog bite injuries. His injuries are, thankfully, not life-threatening.
I'm glad that the officer was able to protect himself in this case and prevent serious injuries. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery from his injuries.
Dog Bite Laws
Hercules officials are also looking for the owner of the dogs. The animals did not have any tags. Loose dogs have apparently been a serious problem in the city prompting the City Council to pass a resolution urging county animal control officials to double the penalties for having a dog at large. The city does have leash laws requiring all dogs to be restrained at all times, the only exception being if they are on private property or in an authorized off-leash area such as a dog park. The dogs involved in this attack have been described only as "mixed breed."
Liability Issues in Dog Bite Incidents
In this particular case, the dog owner could be held both criminally and civilly liable for the injuries caused to the police officer. It is, no doubt, the responsibility of the dog owner to make sure that his or her pets are restrained at all times when they are outside, especially if the city has leash laws. Under California law, the dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused. This is known as the "strict liability statute." Dog bite victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering as well as cost of plastic surgery to help repair the dog bite wounds. Victims in such cases, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will make sure the negligent parties are held accountable.
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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