Bela Martin, 71, sustained severe dog bite wounds in a July 1, 2010 attack in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. According to an ABC News report, Martin was one of three people who were mauled in a serious of vicious dog attacks at the park. Martin was going for her daily walk in Golden Gate Park when a pit bull and a boxer mastiff attacked her. The pit bull bit out a piece of her left leg. She is still in the hospital recovering. Police have not located the owner of the dogs yet. No one has come forward to claim the dogs and their fate still hangs in the balance. They could be euthanized.

My heart goes out to Bela Martin and the other dog bite victims who have sustained these serious personal injuries. I wish her and others the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to Dogsbite.org, a Web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in a three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent or 52 incidents involved pit bulls followed by Rottweilers (14 percent), American bulldog and Husky. This dog bite fatality finding is more or less consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which states that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of fatal dog attacks. Studies also show that adults are as likely to be attacked as children.

Dog Bite Law

California has a "strict liability statute" when it comes to dog attacks, which means dog owners can be held accountable for the injuries caused by their pets. California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness."

Liability Issues

In this particular case, Martin was attacked unprovoked by two unleashed dogs roaming around the neighborhood. I truly hope the owners of these apparently vicious dogs will be found and held liable. Injured victims such as Martin can claim compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, costs of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery and other incurred costs. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise dog bite victims about how to pursue their legal rights.

Do you have dogs roaming about your neighborhood or community? What steps have you taken to report these occurrences?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.