Dog attacks and bites in Southern California take the most devastating toll on children
Its seems like every few months another person, usually a child is attacked and bitten by a dog in Southern California. These attacks seem to be prevalent in areas such as Los Angeles, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Palmdale, Bakersfield and surrounding Southern California Counties.
By example, just last week a five year old girl was killed by a pit bull attack in Simi Valley. These are the saddest cases. Tragedies and death that should be prevented, by responsible dog ownership.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that dogs bite more then 4.7 million people a year in the United States. Of those bites, over 800,000 seek medical attention with dozens of fatal attacks. The majority of injuries and deaths are to children aged 5 to 9 years old.
Its important that children are taught basic dog safety rules to help prevent attacks and injuries. Tell your kids never to approach a dog they do not know, when they see a dog not to run or scream as this may trigger an attack instinct and instead to slowly back away without looking the dog in the eye and to find an adult. Parents and children should also exercise common sense, do not play with a dog unsupervised and avoid playing with breeds of dogs who have reputation for being aggressive.
The CDC report lists the Pit bull, Rottweiler and German Shepard to be the breed of dogs most often involved in a fatal dog attack. As parents, your children should never be allowed near these breads unsupervised.
In California an owner of dog is responsible if their dog attacks and injures a person. There is no free bite rule. This liability attached even if the owner could not have anticipated the dog attack. In addition to the dog owners liability, other people may be responsible for injuries from dog attacks. A landlord who knows a dangerous dog is being housed by a tenant may be liable. A dog sitter who is negligent in watching the dog can be liable if it attacks someone. In addition each County and City have dog leash ordinances. If a person in control of a dog violates those ordinances they may also be liable.
Our offices has represent victims of dog attacks. From adults to children. We have learned from experience that it is important to obtain legal representation immediately following an attack. Evidence needs to be secured, injuries appropriately evaluated and documented.
If you or loved one has suffered from a dog attack please contact The Halpern Law Firm for a free consultation. If we can help you we will.
