DARE Volunteer Injured in Los Angeles Dog Attack

A young man who was raising money for the D.A.R.E anti-drug abuse program outside a sandwich shop was attacked by a dog and seriously injured. According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred the evening of October 13, 2016 outside Jersey Mike’s at 2601 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock. The victim’s father Brian Alli, shared graphic photos of the son Ian’s wounds on Facebook saying the dog attacked unprovoked.

Officials said Ian was outside the shop soliciting money when the dog owner gave him $10 and left. A couple of hours later, the dog owner returned with a pit bull on leash. Ian asked if the dog was friendly and the owner said “yes.” When he got down on one knee and touched the dog, it bit him in the face. Ian Alli was taken to a local hospital with severe facial injuries. His family is asking the dog’s owner to come forward so the dog can be tested and taken off the street. The family is also waiting on surveillance video from the shop.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to this young man who has apparently suffered serious injuries in this dog bite incident. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Dog Bite Injuries

According to a TIME Magazine report, pit bulls make up 6 percent of the dog population in Canada and the U.S., but they are responsible for 68 percent of dog attacks and 52 percent of dog-related fatalities from 1982 to 2009. However, pit bulls are not the only dog breed that attacks or bites. In the U.S., about 4.5 million people get bitten by dogs each year. In addition to causing pain, injury, or nerve damage, dog bites can become infected, placing the bite victim at risk for illness or even death.

Protecting Your Rights

California has a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog attacks, which means that dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused by their pets. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

If you have been injured in a dog attack, it would be in your best interest to get prompt medical attention and treatment for your injuries. File a report with the local police or animal control agency. Obtain a copy for your record. Try to track down the owner or the person who is caring for the attacking dog. Contact an experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyer who will fight hard to protect your rights and hold the negligent dog owner accountable.