Pit Bull Attacks Child, Then Mother. Injury Lawyer Talks CA Liability

Attribution: This article is the syndication source of a recently released press release by Bisnar Chase on Feb, 08, 2013.

Video: Injury Lawyer, John Bisnar Discusses Dog Bite Injury Liability in California.

Kayla Shoestring, 29, and her son Hayden, 4, were injured in a dog attack after they were bitten by a pit bull owned by Glenda Aguilar whom they were visiting at the time. According to a Feb. 5 news report in The Independent, the incident occurred the evening of Feb. 6 in the backyard of Aguilar's home in Grand Hill, Neb.

The Shoestrings were visiting Aguilar at her home when Hayden went to the backyard with a male and female pit bull, the report stated. His mother ran out when she heard her son screaming and saw that he was being attacked by a male dog. When she tried to intervene and pulled her son away, the male pit bull turned on Shoestring, chased her and pinned her against the house according to the report.

While Hayden suffered a bite to the face, his mother suffered several puncture wounds and significant damage to the muscle and tendons in her forearms. Both dogs were confiscated by the authorities, according to the report. The article also states that the female pit bull was in heat at the time and that the male pit bull, which attacked, was not neutered.

In California, much like Nebraska, where this dog attack took place, the law works in favor of dog bite victims, said John Bisnar, founder of the Bisnar Chase personal injury law firm. "Both states have a strict liability statute when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is responsible for the actions of his or her pet – no ifs or buts.

There are a few exceptions such as when a victim has trespassed or provoked the animal. But in most cases, the dog owner can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses suffered by the victim."

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."

Bisnar says dog bite victims often suffer significant physical pain and mental anguish. "As in this case, a dog attack can result in debilitating injuries as well as severe emotional distress for the injured victims and those who view such a vicious attack. It is critical that dog bite victims seek prompt medical attention so they can get the treatment and procedures they need to repair the injuries and scars."

"Children are especially vulnerable to these types of injuries, both physically and emotionally. Parents should exercise extreme caution when allowing their children around large breed dogs that have a tendency to cause more damage when do they bite."

If you've been injured from a dog bite or animal attack, call the Personal Injury Attorney of Bisnar Chase at 949-203-3814 for a free consultation.