A child’s death is a parent’s worst nightmare; having a child die a violent and preventable death makes it worse still. Such was the case for one California family who experienced the loss of their 1-year-old son after he was attacked by a pair of vicious dogs. His grandmother was also injured in the incident.
A Brutal Attack
Police say that they were called out to a home around 11 a.m. March 11 in response to a report of a dog bite. Once they arrived on the scene, officers found the 1-year-old victim. After performing CPR on the child, he was transported via ambulance to an area hospital and then pronounced dead.
The child’s family told police that he wandered out the front door of his home into the yard where he was attacked by two rottweilers. After being alerted to the situation, his grandmother rushed out to the yard and attempted to intervene; she was also attacked. Ultimately, the child’s grandfather was able to get the dogs off the child and grandmother.
Dogs Euthanized
The dogs fled the scene only to be located a few blocks away from the location. The Central California SPCA euthanized the dogs later that day after their owners relinquished control of them to authorities.
Rottweilers are known as one of the fiercest breeds of dogs and have earned a reputation for their killer instincts. A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study in 1997, the last reported study by the CDC of its type, found that in the 20 years leading up to the study, Rottweilers were responsible for 29 human fatalities.
Rottweilers are generally not aggressive toward their owners or other dogs, but they can be particularly aggressive when it comes to strangers. At least three countries—Ireland, Portugal, and Poland—have banned the breed altogether. Some pet owners claim that neglect and abuse of these animals lead to their aggression and that they are not genetically predisposed to aggressive behaviors.
It Can Happen Anywhere
Although this mauling occurred in Fresno, dog attacks can happen anywhere. Up to 4.5 million dog bites occur each year, and while the majority cause little more than some broken skin, many are quite serious and require medical intervention. Serious dog bite can leave behind:
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring, especially facial scarring
- Damages to bones, tissues, tendons, and nerves, causing a reduction in mobility
- Infections from lacerations, cuts, and scratches
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma to the victim
In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their pets. If you or someone you love has been attacked by an aggressive dog, reach out to the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg. We have helped victims just like you get the compensation they deserve from the at-fault party so they can move on with their lives. Our Los Angeles personal injury attorney can help you get started on your claim, so call 310-997-0904 to set up your free, confidential case evaluation now.
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