NBA player Blake Griffin is facing a dog bite lawsuit from a man who says Griffin’s dog bit him as he ate at an upscale Los Angeles restaurant last year. According to a report in People.com, the plaintiff, Emmanuel Aframian, claims he was at A Votre Sante Mediterranean Restaurant on June 10, 2018 when Griffin’s dog lunged and viciously attacked him without being provoked.
Dog Allegedly Had Prior History of Attacks
Aframian claims he suffered injuries that required medical attention and that he is now hoping to receive money to cover the costs and for the injuries “pain, suffering and mental anguish” he has experienced as a result of the alleged dog attack. The complaint also claims that Griffin, 29, knew that his dog had the tendency to attack, but did nothing to supervise, leash or restrain his dog in spite of knowing that his dog had attacked people in the past.
The complaint says Griffin had a “conscious and reckless disregard” for the possibility that his dog might cause severe harm. Apart from Griffin, Aframian is also suing the restaurant for not protecting its patrons. Griffin began his career with the Los Angeles Clippers and played for the franchise for nearly nine years before being traded to the Detroit Pistons in January 2018.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California’s strict liability statute, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets regardless of whether or not the dog has shown prior viciousness. 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.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you may be able to seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgery, psychological counseling and pain and suffering. If the attack occurred in an apartment complex or a restaurant, as in this case, victims may also have a premises liability claim against the property owner. An experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyer will be able to advise victims regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://people.com/sports/blake-griffin-sued-dog-allegedly-attacks-man/
