Recent dog bites in the San Diego, California area cause severe injuries

March 15, 2014

Pet-friendly restaurants, wineries and other public establishments are becoming more popular in California. While dog-lovers are happy to see widespread acceptance of the presence of their pets in retail stores and public areas, the situation presents numerous hazards to people who share space with man's best friend.

Dog attacking people

Pet owners and innocent passersby are equally in danger of sustaining animal bite injuries from improperly restrained pets. Earlier this month, a San Carlos woman tried to keep a neighbor's dogs from attacking her dog -- who was in her own backyard -- and sustained puncture wounds requiring treatment at a hospital.

Late last year, a 3-year-old boy was attacked by a large dog in a Lowes Home Improvement store in Murrieta and suffered severe personal injuries requiring 50 stitches to his face, neck and eye. The young boy was sitting on a bench inside the store while his father and grandmother shopped just steps away. A man brought his leashed, 86-pound dog into the store and the dog, for some reason, attacked the boy. The dog owner has been charged with felony negligence and he is no longer allowed to keep his dog. Sadly, this was the third time in a month that his dog bite someone.

Dogs attacking other animals

Dangerous dogs not only harm humans but other animals as well. According to a CBS news report last month, a San Diego woman had to fight off two dogs that attacked her horse. The dogs cornered the horse in its corral and it could not get away. The dogs left only after the woman grabbed her gun and fired numerous shots into the air. The horse suffered serious injuries -- costing the woman on a fixed income hundreds of dollars. The dogs are still on the loose in the neighborhood creating potential dangers to people and other animals.

Help for the injured

Animal attacks can cause scarring, disfigurement and even death. Attacks cause not only physical injuries but emotional damages as well. Post traumatic stress disorder is common among dog bite victims, causing severe anxiety, nightmares and a myriad of lifelong ailments. Medical treatment and care is costly and may be necessary for an extended period of time.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from an animal attack, seek the advice of a California lawyer experienced with dog and other types of animal attack injuries. An attorney knowledgeable about holding pet owners responsible, pursuing claims with insurance carriers and obtaining compensation for losses can help.

Article provided by The Law Offices of C. Bradley Hallen
Visit us at www.hallenlawfirm.com