Man Injured in Pit Bull Attack in Downtown Los Angeles

Police shot and killed two out of three pit bulls that brutally attacked and injured a man in Downtown Los Angeles the morning of May 10, 2017, killing his smaller dog as well. According to a KTLA news report, officers responded around 8:30 a.m. to the 500 block of Stanford Avenue after they received a call about a man being attacked by pit bulls in the area. When police arrived, they found the victim and his dog being attacked by three large dogs, identified as pit bulls.

Officials said the officers at that point opened fire on the dogs with the goal of protecting the victim’s life. The victim’s dog had already been killed in the attack. Two of the three pit bulls that officers shot, died, while one survived. The victim, said to be in his 50s, was transported to an area hospital will multiple bite wounds. The nature or extent of his injuries is not known. Police are still investigating the incident.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the man who has apparently been severely injured in this dog attack. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Ongoing Investigation

Based on this news report, it appears that the pit bulls were running loose in the neighborhood and attacked a man who was in the area walking his dog. There are a number of questions police are likely asking here. Who owns the dogs? Why were they off-leash and running loose in the neighborhood? Did the owner deliberately set these dogs on the victim? We trust the answers to these and other questions will help officials determine if they need to make an arrest or file charges against the dogs’ owner.

Law and Liability Issues

Regardless of arrests or charges, in such cases, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against dog owners. California has a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog bite incidents. This means that dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses their pets cause.

Under California Civil Code Section 3342 (a): “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.”

Injured victims of dog attacks can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, cost of psychological counseling, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that the negligent dog owners are held liable.