A woman in Victorville sustained serious injuries in a dog bite incident the afternoon of April 2, 2010 after she was attacked by two dogs while retrieving mail from a community mailbox. According to a news report in The San Bernardino Sun, the dog attack occurred near the intersection of Barrington Street and Fuschia Lane. San Bernardino sheriff's officials saw the mauled victim lying in the street and being attacked by the two pit bulls. Apparently, the dogs also charged at the neighbors who attempted to rescue the victim. Eventually two sheriff's deputies shot and killed the dogs as they posed an immediate danger to the victim and the medical personnel who were on the scene treating the injured woman.

Dogs Attacked Several Neighbors

The victim was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Deputies also learned during their investigation the dogs had attacked several children at that neighborhood barely minutes before the woman was mauled. An 11-year-old girl suffered a bite to her foot as she fled from the dogs.

My heart goes out to this severely injured victim as well as the children who were attacked and traumatized by these dogs. I wish the injured woman the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I sincerely hope she has not sustained any catastrophic injuries. Please keep her in your prayers.

Liability Issues in Dog Bite Cases

Based on this news report, it is still not clear who the dogs' owner is. Apparently, these dogs were roaming around in the neighborhood, terrorizing residents and the children in the house, nearby. I trust investigators will locate the owner and hold him or her criminally responsible for such negligence.

Negligent dog owners, in addition to being criminally prosecuted, can also be held civilly liable under California law. 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."

What this means is that dog owners in California will be held financially responsible for injuries caused by their pets, no ifs or buts. The only exception is when the dog bites a trespasser, burglar or assailant. Victims in dog bite cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery expenses and even psychological counseling. The dog owner's homeowner's insurance policy should also cover dog bite damages. A reputed California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled dog bite cases will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options.

Are there any dangerous or vicious dogs in your neighborhood? If so, have you complained to your local animal control officials about them?

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.