Early Monday morning a former fire chief with the City of Compton was attacked by two vicious pit bulls while he was out for his walk in Glendora. The former chief, 67-year-old Milford Fonza, had been out for his usual morninig walk when the dogs attacked. He tried to defend himself with his walking stick, but it broke during the attack. A Glendora police officer on routine patrol heard Fonza's screams for help. Using his patrol car, the officer intentionally ran into one of the dogs, but still had to shoot the other pit bull to stop the attack. That dog died of its wounds, and the dog that had been run over was taken from the scene for medical treatment. According to the KTLA news story, it is unclear if the owner of the dogs has been identified. The police officer, Matt Fenner, and Fonza have since reunited to talk about this life threatening incident, and the officers heroic actions.
See the KTLA news story, photos and video HERE.
There can be little doubt the owner or owners of theses vicious pit bulls would be civilly liable for the injuries and damages sustained by Fonza during the attack. From the news report, it appears he suffered a number of bites, puncture wounds and either a broken or dislocated shoulder, injuries from which an elderly victim will not soon recover. All of this tragic event could have been avoided if the owner(s) of the dogs had just kept them under their control. Under California law, a dog owner is strictly liable when their animal attacks and bites a victim, regardless of whether the dog has any known propensity to attack. This is true whether the attack happens on the dog owner's property or in a public place. The only defenses in situations like the one here generally have to do with whether or not the victim did something to provoke the attack or assumed the risk of injury in some fashion, neither of which appear to have occurred here.
Compensation for the victims of vicious dog attacks should be an important concern for all Californians. When an innocent victim is attacked and seriously injured or killed, the dog’s owner should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages suffered. An Orange County dog bite lawyer 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.
See the KTLA news story, photos and video HERE.
There can be little doubt the owner or owners of theses vicious pit bulls would be civilly liable for the injuries and damages sustained by Fonza during the attack. From the news report, it appears he suffered a number of bites, puncture wounds and either a broken or dislocated shoulder, injuries from which an elderly victim will not soon recover. All of this tragic event could have been avoided if the owner(s) of the dogs had just kept them under their control. Under California law, a dog owner is strictly liable when their animal attacks and bites a victim, regardless of whether the dog has any known propensity to attack. This is true whether the attack happens on the dog owner's property or in a public place. The only defenses in situations like the one here generally have to do with whether or not the victim did something to provoke the attack or assumed the risk of injury in some fashion, neither of which appear to have occurred here.
Compensation for the victims of vicious dog attacks should be an important concern for all Californians. When an innocent victim is attacked and seriously injured or killed, the dog’s owner should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages suffered. An Orange County dog bite lawyer 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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