CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA; January 12, 2009 – A Chula Vista woman was viciously attacked by two pit bulls while walking her dog early Monday morning. She was severely injury in the attack. According to police reports, the pit bulls had to be run off by two men who were awoken when they heard the woman screaming for help. After chasing the dogs away, the men then called 911and police and paramedics responded to help the injured woman. The pit bulls were not leashed at the time of the attack and were later found, captured and quarantined by the Department of Animal Control.
While dogs can be lovable pets, it is unfortunate that many dogs attacks occur each and every year, many of which result in serious injuries. Most often, those injured by a dog attack suffered puncture wounds, and require suturing. Many who are injured are left scarred or disfigured. Of those injured in dogs attacks, the most common victims are young children and women.
California has very strict laws in respect to animal attacks. Indeed, California law imposes “strict liability” on the owners of an animal that attacks and injures another. That means that an owner of an animal that injuries another is automatically responsible for the injuries that are caused by their animal. The goal behind the strict liability laws is to encourage animal owners to safely and properly control their animals, keep them on leashes when out in public, and protect their animals from unknowingly getting out of their yards where they can cause injury to another.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury or loss due to a dog attack, feel free to contact an attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP. Berman & Riedel, LLP, is a California based plaintiffs’ civil litigation firm which focuses its practice in handling serious personal injury and wrongful death matters including claims against pet owners who fail to properly secure their animals.