A dog described as a pit-bull mix bit two young girls last night in Coachella, leaving one with serious wounds. According to a story in the Press Enterprise, the dog later attacked police officers who responded to the scene, one of whom fatally shot the dog. The dog attack happened at about 9:45 p.m. near a shopping center along 48th Avenue east of Jackson Street. The two girls, ages 9 and 12, were apparently walking along the south sidewalk of 48th Avenue when the attack occurred. The 12-year-old girl, reportedly from Coachella, suffered a serious leg wound, and her younger companion suffered minor injuries. It was when the police officers attempted to contain the dog, while awaiting the arrival of animal control, that the dog attacked them and had to be shot.
See the Press Enterprise story HERE.
Dog bites like this occur all too frequently and often involve small children. It is not surprising this attack involved a pit-bull mix as the breed has a reputation for being vicious and statistics support that fact as well. Of the fatal bites reported across the country, occurring over a number of years, pit-bulls were more than three times as likely as the next most dangerous breed to cause a fatal attack. Consequently, many homeowner's insurance carriers will not provide coverage for a pit-bull in the event of an attack. The dog owner, under that scenario, would then be exposed to individual liability for the injuries and damages caused. In the news story above, it is unknown whether an owner has been identified and whether the dog had been allowed to roam or whether it had somehow escaped a leash or enclosure. In either case, absent very unusual circumstances not apparent here, the dog owner would be strictly liable for the injuries sustained by these two young girls.
Compensation for the victims of vicious dog attacks should be an important concern for all Californians. When a victim is attacked and seriously injured or killed, the dog’s owner should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages sustained. An Orange County dog bite attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type. Mr. Ralph can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been a victim of a dog attack?
See the Press Enterprise story HERE.
Dog bites like this occur all too frequently and often involve small children. It is not surprising this attack involved a pit-bull mix as the breed has a reputation for being vicious and statistics support that fact as well. Of the fatal bites reported across the country, occurring over a number of years, pit-bulls were more than three times as likely as the next most dangerous breed to cause a fatal attack. Consequently, many homeowner's insurance carriers will not provide coverage for a pit-bull in the event of an attack. The dog owner, under that scenario, would then be exposed to individual liability for the injuries and damages caused. In the news story above, it is unknown whether an owner has been identified and whether the dog had been allowed to roam or whether it had somehow escaped a leash or enclosure. In either case, absent very unusual circumstances not apparent here, the dog owner would be strictly liable for the injuries sustained by these two young girls.
Compensation for the victims of vicious dog attacks should be an important concern for all Californians. When a victim is attacked and seriously injured or killed, the dog’s owner should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages sustained. An Orange County dog bite attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type. Mr. Ralph can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been a victim of a dog attack?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
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