An Amazon delivery truck driver was injured in a pitbull attack in San Antonio when he was out delivering a package.
According to a news report in the Express News, the driver was delivering a package in the 200 block of McNarney Street on the city’s southwest side near Palo Alto College when the dog, a pit bull terrier, jumped a fence and attacked him. The driver tried to get away from the dog by jumping on top of a car, police said.
The owner was at home at the time and came out to help. The driver eventually got into the vehicle and called police. Officials said the driver suffered facial injuries, but his condition is not known. Police also said the dog owner was cooperating with officers. It is not known if he will face charges. The owner also surrendered the dog to Animal Care Services, and the animal was put on rabies quarantine.
Series of Horrific Dog Attacks in San Antonio
San Antonio has witnessed a string of serious dog attacks this year, and two of those proved to be fatal. On the west side of the city, pit bulls fatally mauled 81-year-old Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr. on February 24.
The fatal dog attack occurred when Najera and his wife stopped by to visit a friend. Three dogs escaped from a neighbor’s yard and attacked the couple. Najera’s wife, Juanita, now 75, was injured but survived. In that case, the owners were charged with a dangerous dog attack causing death and recklessly causing injury to an elderly person – both felonies.
On Oct. 1, 47-year-old Paul Anthony Striegl Jr. died of complications from a dog mauling at a trailer park on the city’s northeast side. He had been hospitalized since the Sept. 5 dog attack when he was mauled by his neighbor’s two dogs, which slipped under a fence and entered his property.
One of the dogs ravaged the man’s arms and abdomen. Police records show the dogs tore Striegl’s arms to the bone. A dangerous dog investigator testified that she saw pieces of human flesh and a lot of blood on the ground when she arrived at the scene.
Striegl’s arm had to be amputated up to the elbow as a result of the attack. Three criminal citations were served on the dog’s owner.
Dog Bite Laws
Laws relating to dog bites vary from state to state. Texas, where this dog attack occurred, has a “one-bite rule,” which means that dog owners who knew (or should have known) that their pets might be dangerous are strictly liable if their dog attacks someone.
Once an owner is on notice that their dog has bitten someone or has aggressive tendencies or a propensity to bite, they are responsible for any bites or other injuries their pets cause.
However, a strict liability statute primarily governs dog bite laws in California. This law is found in California Civil Code Section 3342 and holds dog owners liable for injuries their dogs inflict on others, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.
The law states that the owner of a dog is responsible for damages suffered by anyone bitten by their dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the dog owner’s property.
California’s strict liability dog bite law is one of the most plaintiff-friendly in the United States, as it does not require the victim to prove the owner’s negligence or the dog’s prior aggressive behavior. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the victim trespassed or provoked the dog, the dog owner may not be held liable.
In California, victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the attack. Dog owners should be aware of their responsibilities under California’s dog bite laws to ensure the safety of others and avoid legal repercussions.
Delivery Drivers and Dog Attacks
Whether they work for postal services, courier companies, or e-commerce giants like Amazon, delivery drivers face significant dangers from dog attacks while carrying out their duties. Dog attacks can have serious physical and emotional consequences for delivery drivers, including:
Physical Injuries: Dog bites and attacks can lead to severe physical injuries, including deep wounds, lacerations, and tissue damage. In some cases, these injuries may require surgery and extended medical treatment.
Infections: Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of infection. Infections can lead to more extensive medical treatment, including the use of antibiotics and, in severe cases, hospitalization.
Emotional Trauma: Dog attacks can result in emotional trauma for delivery drivers. The fear and anxiety associated with these incidents can have long-lasting psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Lost Wages: Recovery from dog bite injuries may require time off work, leading to lost wages. In some cases, drivers may be unable to return to their jobs due to the physical or emotional trauma sustained.
Pursuing compensation for injuries incurred during a dog attack can be a lengthy and sometimes costly process. Legal proceedings, medical bills, and potential damages to a driver’s vehicle or property can result in significant financial strain as well.
If you have been injured in a dog attack, an experienced California dog bite lawyer can help you better understand your options and secure maximum compensation for your tremendous losses. At Bisnar Chase, we have recovered full compensation for countless dog bite victims. Our team has a 99% success rate and is here to help.
Source: https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/amazon-pitbull-attack-18442937.php
