California Injury Blog
Diana Yoo of San Diego suffered injuries in a dog bite incident while walking her son’s dog along a trail near 4S Ranch Parkway and Dove Creek Road in San Diego.
According to a 10News report, Yoo said a dog that was off leash came charging at her and the dog. She said she did everything to protect her son’s dog.
She yelled for help. The dog bit Yoo on the arm and her son’s dog was
not hurt.
Yoo said the dog owner left the scene “like nothing happened.” She chased after the owner and snapped a picture of her from behind.
10News reports that the trail where this dog attack occurred is owned by the 4S Ranch Master Association and a spokesperson for the HOA says that dog owners are required to have their dogs on leashes.
Yoo’s family is hoping someone in the neighborhood will recognize the dog’s owner and that she will take responsibility for what occurred. Under San Diego law, too, dogs must be on leash on all county and city trails unless it is a designated off-leash dog park.
Dog Bite Law
Under California law, dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries their pets cause in addition for facing citations for other municipal code violations.
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.”
Justice for Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, it is important to get medical attention right away. Ideally, you should be able to get the name and address of the dog owner. Take photos of where the attack occurred as well as your injuries.
File a report with the local animal control agency and obtain a copy for your records.
Injured dog bite victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, cost of surgery, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego dog bite lawyer who will ensure that the negligent dog owner is held accountable and that victims are compensated for their losses.