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Woman Killed, Boy Injured in Vicious Dog Attack

Beware of the dog sign on a fence

Police are investigating the death of sheriff’s deputy Tameika White, who was killed in a dog attack at a home on the east side of Indianapolis. White’s 8-year-old son was also injured in the dog attack but is expected to survive.

According to a WTHR news report, the fatal dog attack occurred on May 9 in the 1700 block of Forsythia Drive in Marion County. Neighbors said the incident happened in the backyard, surrounded by a wooden fence.

Officials said it is “scarce” to see a dog attack that results in death.

Shocking Details of the Tragic Dog Attack

White, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her son escaped with relatively minor injuries. One neighbor told the news outlet they saw the child run out the front door and appeared shocked. Neighbors believe White was protecting her son from the aggressive dogs. Police are investigating the attack.

Neighbors say the dogs were some pit bull mix. Police said multiple dogs were at the home when they arrived. Police shot a dog they described as “actively aggressive.” Police did not specify if the dog they shot was the one that attacked White and her son.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Tameika White for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with her son, who was not only physically injured from the dog attack but was also traumatized by witnessing the dogs attack his mother.

Prior Reports of Aggressive Dogs

There have been a number of deadly dog attacks across the United States this year. Most recently, a baby was killed and a woman seriously injured in an Iowa dog attack in early May. Incidents in Louisiana and Idaho in January also left children dead.

In February, a man in his 80s was killed, and three others were injured in a Texas dog attack. A Pennsylvania woman died in March after a neighbor’s dog bit her.

After this most recent attack in Indianapolis, local Animal Care Services officials told the outlet that they did respond days before this fatal incident after two loose and aggressive dogs were reported in the neighborhood. The officer found two dogs in front of the address, a broken fence, and a third dog in the backyard.

The officer said he educated two people who identified themselves as the dog owner and a friend of the owner about the city’s at-large ordinance and proceeded to warn the dog owner that they would receive a citation if the dog got loose again. 

The officer also informed the owner that the dogs would need to be on a leash or tethered until the fence was fixed.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in California?

In California, where there is a “strict liability statute” regarding dog bite incidents, several parties can be held liable for a dog attack. 

According to California’s Civil Code Section 3342, “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bit by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the owner of the dog’s property, regardless of the dog’s previous viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”

California law states several parties could be held responsible for dog bite victims’ injuries, damages, and losses:

Dog owner: California law states that the dog’s owner is liable for the damages whether or not he or she knew that the dog was dangerous, regardless of whether the incident occurred on public or private property. Owners can be held liable unless the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing.

Homeowners’ insurance: There are a number of instances in which the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance could compensate a victim for his or her medical bills. However, these policies can sometimes be inadequate for fully compensating dog bite victims. An experienced dog bite lawyer can advise victims about potential avenues of compensation.

Landlords: Property owners/managers or landlords can sometimes be held liable for dog attacks. This applies in cases where a landlord knew or should have known that there was a vicious dog on their property. Generally speaking, a landlord is required to act with reasonable care and remove the threat of a dangerous condition on their property, including a dangerous dog.

Compensation for Dog Attack Victims

Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, cosmetic surgery, psychological counseling, scarring, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Injured victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced California dog bite attorney who will remain on their side, fight for their rights and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. 

Bisnar Chase has handled countless cases involving dog attack injuries, ranging from minor punctures to severe wounds. Our law firm is here to help.

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California Personal Injury Blog