A San Diego police officer was injured in a dog bite incident after he was attacked by a pit bull the night of September 13, 2009 while responding to disturbance call in El Cajon, California. According to a news report in the San Diego Union Tribune, Officer Travis Howard went to a home to respond to a call of loud music. The resident invited him inside the house and as he entered a large pit bull charged at him. The officer was bitten on the inner right thigh and right bicep, El Cajon police officials said. Howard was taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries. The resident told officials that he was dog-sitting and did not have knowledge of the dog's temperament. No charges have been filed yet. But the dog has been impounded and is being held in quarantine.

I'm glad that this police officer was not seriously injured as a result of this dog attack. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery from his dog bite injuries.

Dog Bite Statistics

Nationwide, dog bite incidents involving pit bulls and rottweilers are increasing. Statistics support that fact. 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 involved pit bulls followed by rottweilers (14 percent), American bulldog and Husky (5 percent each).

California has what is known, as a "strict liability statute" when it comes to dog bites. 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."

Dog Bite Liability Issues

The law says it is not necessary for the plaintiff in a California case to prove that the dog was known to be vicious or had a propensity to bite. One bite alone is sufficient to support liability. Under California law, the injured person must prove that the defendant owned the dog, that the dog bit the plaintiff, that the plaintiff was lawfully on the premises when the bite took place and that the dog bite caused the plaintiff personal injury.

California dog bite victims would be well-advised to contact a truly experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will help them pursue their rights and secure the compensation they rightfully deserve. Irresponsible dog owners must be held accountable for the injuries caused to innocent victims.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our source for the facts is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.

We cannot fully inform any party or family member about their rights, options or the economic viability of any claim for compensation without a full investigation and consultation. We will not be conducting an investigation into this matter unless we are retained by a party. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to any, not at fault, person named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.