One Killed and Three Injured in Dog Bite Incident
A 43-year-old man was killed, and three others were injured when they were attacked by a dog. The incident happened at a homeless encampment in Southern California on February 22, just after 3:00 pm.
When police arrived at the scene, they found the man unconscious and not breathing and three others with injuries. The unidentified man was taken to the hospital where he was later declared dead.
How Did the Attack Happen?
Law enforcement officials said the dog in the incident was a pit bull. According to police, the situation unfolded when the victim got into a fight with another man outside a motor home. During the altercation, the other man’s pit bull attacked the victim and several others who tried to intervene.
Police said the victim stumbled away but later fell to the ground and became unresponsive. The other three people were treated at the scene for their injuries.
The dog owner, who was not hurt, has been detained and is cooperating with the department’s ongoing investigation. The pit bull was seized by animal control.
Common Reasons Why Dogs Attack
It is essential to understand why dog bites happen to help prevent them from happening in the first place. Some of the most common reasons why a dog will attack includes the following:
- Fear: Dogs can bite when they have been startled or are scared. If a stranger approaches too quickly, a dog can suddenly bite without warning if it feels threatened.
- Maternal Instincts: A female dog’s maternal instinct will become apparent if she has puppies and will want to protect them.
- Pain: If a dog is in pain or not feeling well, it likely doesn’t want to be bothered. Even the friendliest dog can bite or become snippy if in pain.
- Possessiveness: A dog can direct this type of aggression towards people or other animals when protecting its home, food, toy, or owner.
- Prey-Driven Instincts: Dogs with prey-driven instincts like to chase, pounce, pull, and shake things. This behavior gets triggered when the dog sees someone cycling, jogging, or running.
Who Pays in a Dog Bite Claim?
According to California Civil Code section 3342, the owner of the dog that causes injuries to another person can be held liable. Those who have been hurt in a dog attack have the right to recover compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the dog owner. While compensation is not available for those who trespass or provoke a dog, the owner is usually financially responsible for all losses.
Recoverable Damages in a Dog Bite Case
Most people are unaware of the severity of the injuries sustained in dog bites. Dogs have strong jaws that can cause traumatic damage. Those who have been attacked by a dog are entitled to file a claim for:
- medical expenses
- lost wages
- disfigurement
- loss of earning potential
- emotional distress
- pain and suffering
- mental anguish
- personal property
Watch YouTube Video: What Damages Can Be Claimed in a Dog Bite Case? The following video further explains the types of damages that can be recoverable in a dog bite injury claim.
Statute of Limitations
In California, there is only a small window of opportunity to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations and is usually two years from the date of the dog bite incident. For minors, the two-year statute of limitations is tolled until they turn 18. This means the clock does not start ticking until the child’s 18th birthday. If the injured person fails to file before this deadline, the case may be dismissed in court. That’s why it is essential to consult with an injury attorney immediately to secure your right to fair compensation.
Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a dog bite attorney in Sacramento. Injuries in a dog bite incident can leave people with lifelong physical and emotional trauma. If you or a family member has sustained catastrophic injuries from a dog attack, call our skilled Sacramento dog bite lawyers today at (916) 924-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly, and compassionate advice.
Our law firm takes cases on contingency, which means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we obtain a successful outcome for you.
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Photo by Crazypitbull on Pixabay
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