San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

SAN DIEGO COUNTY -Two brothers were horrifically attacked by dogs while they were jogging in the Valley Center area on Sunday, 10 News reports. The brothers, Richard and John Garritson were jogging with three other family members along a trail off Cobb Lane when they were mauled by four pit bulls. The attack eventually came to a hault when they were called by their unidentified owner. However, the aftermath of this tragic dog attack left the two brothers severely injured and were both flown to Sharp Hospital for further treatment.

Cause of the Valley Center Dog Attack

The incident on November 27th remains under investigation by authorities. However, based on the information provided by 10 News, it is not clearly known why these dogs were not properly supervised by their owner. Therefore, if the dog owner was negligent, violated the leash law or law prohibiting dogs from "running at large," or kept information that the dogs had a history of injuring people, he or she may be held liable for the victims' injuries.

San Diego Dog Bite Injury Liability

Dog attacks to a person or persons can cause drastic injuries and/or death. Injuries after a dog attack can include and are not limited to abrasions, broken bones, eye injuries, disfigurement, infections, lacerations, puncture wounds, and rabies. Therefore, in accidents such as this one, the victims or the family member of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego dog bite attorney regarding this devastating incident.

A knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has help victims in dog attacks, can advise the injured victims of their legal rights in a civil suit against the person responsible, and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation in a personal injury claim for medical care expenses, lost earnings, disfigurement, scarring, pain and suffering, and other damages in this terrible dog attack.

Continue reading "Two Severely Injured in Valley Center Dog Attack" »

SAN DIEGO - Four people are recovering after a vicious pit bull attack in a City Heights neighborhood. The youngest, a six-year-old girl, suffered a bite to the face. The girl was bit while playing with the owner of the dog's daughter. The child received several stitches in her face and also suffered a wound to her arm. The owner and his daughter were also bit, while trying to restrain the pit bull after the bite. The dog was taken to the Gaines Street Animal Shelter, where it was put under observation, and tested for rabies. While under observation, the officials will take into consideration how many times the animal has attacked, the severity of the wounds, and how responsible the owner is. These factors will determine whether or not the dog will be euthanized.

Dog Owner Personal Injury Liability

In the state of California, the dog owner is strictly liable for injuries sustained from their dog biting someone. It does not matter if the attack occurred on public property or on the owner's private property. Following an incident such as this one, the family of the girl who was attacked would be well advised to talk to an experienced San Diego dog bite attorney. A knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer can help the family explore their legal options, and if appropriate, help them recover compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering and any other related damages.

Continue reading "Four People Injured in San Diego Pit Bull Attack" »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A man was severely injured when he was attacked by a friend's pit bull Tuesday, June 28th, reports the San Diego Union Tribune. The man was attacked as he and the dog's owner talked while standing at an open gate to the owner's home in Mountain View. The 1 ½ year old pit bull bit the man's arm, inflicting a severe injury and then preceded to bite the man's back and side. According to news reports, the man's back and side injuries were less severe than the arm injury. After being attacked, the victim walked to his 42nd Street home where paramedics tended him to before transporting him to a local hospital. A resident on 44th Street called 911 to the report the incident, which occurred around noon. San Diego County Animal Control took the dog for a ten-day quarantine to make sure it does not have rabies.

Dog Bite Attacks

Dog bite attacks are a surprisingly common occurrence in the state. There have been a number of incidents recently, including:

• In June 2011, a woman and her small Shetland sheepdog were bitten by a pit bull and boxer running lose in the neighborhood of Grant Hill.
• In June 2011, the family German shepherd nipped a one-year-old Chula Vista girl in the forehead.
• In June 2011, a 75-year-old woman was mauled by her neighbor's two pit bulls after the two dogs got into her Paradise Hills backyard.

Dog Bite Liability

In California, a dog's owner is liable for any injuries inflicted upon another individual by his or her dog, even if the dog had no prior history of attacking or the owner knew of a history of aggressiveness. The victims of these tragic dog bite attacks would be well advised to talk to a San Diego dog bite injury lawyer. A lawyer familiar with dog bite laws can make all the difference when navigating the complex civil court system. An experienced personal injury lawyer can handle all negotiations with insurance companies to make certain victims receive maximum compensation for all injury-related expenses.

Continue reading "Man Attacked by Pit Bull While Visiting Friend" »

SAN DIEGO - A 75-year-old woman suffered major injuries Saturday after being attacked by a pair of pit bulls when she walked outside to retrieve her newspaper, 10 News reported. The attack happened in the 5800 block of Alleghany Street in the Paradise Hills neighborhood when the dogs entered the woman's yard through a whole in her fence. The man, who was not identified, was taken to Scripps Mercy Medical Center where she had to undergo emergency surgery. Animal Control officers took possession of the dogs, who were surrendered by their owner.

Dog Attack Injury Personal Injury Liability

In California, the dog owner is responsible for the victim's injuries when an animal attacks. 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." Following a dog bite attack such as this June 18th pit bull mauling, families of dog bite victims may benefit from speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer. An attorney who specializes in dog bite attacks can help make sure the dog owners are held accountable for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "San Diego Woman Seriously Injured in Paradise Hills Pit Bull Attack " »

The San Diego personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger offer a free consultation for anyone who has suffered a serious injury or the death of a loved one in an unexpected accident. This is an invaluable opportunity for potential clients and their family members to meet with a knowledgeable and experienced San Diego personal injury attorney and discuss the liability merits and potential challenges of a case, and get a general idea of how much their case may be worth. Even if a potential client decides to negotiate a settlement on their own with their insurer, the information learned from a meeting with a lawyer can be very valuable. Consultations are offered whenever and wherever is most convenient. Sometimes clients come to our San Diego office; other times, one of our attorneys meets with a potential client at their home or hospital room. In some cases, consultations are done over the phone.

If you have been injured in an accident - or if a loved one has died in an accident, and you would like to know about your legal rights, contact the law firm of Estey Bomberger today. Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and answer your questions. With every consultation, there is absolutely no obligation. Our case review gives us an opportunity to share information with you, and determine if we may be able to help you recover monetary compensation for your injuries, or the wrongful death of someone you love. To learn more or to speak to a San Diego personal injury attorney about your potential case, contact us at (619) 312-4399, or fill out our contact form and an attorney will contact you shortly.

Last Friday, a violent dog attack in Solano County left two Fairfield women with injuries ranging from moderate to serious, Mercury News reported. A 52-year-old woman had been jogging down Pavillion Drive at about 6 a.m. when she was attacked by a bull mastiff, a pit-bull mastiff mix, and an American Bulldog. Neighbors heard cries from the woman and called police, but also took matters into their own hands and shot one of the dogs. The other two dogs went and attacked a 34-year-old woman jogging nearby. The 52-year-old woman was taken by ambulance to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Valley, and the 34-year-old woman was taken to NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield. Animal Services rounded up the dogs, who were to be euthanized.

The September 10th Fairfield incident is a reminder of the seriousness of dog attacks. While the vast majority of dogs are sweet and loving companions, some dogs are inherently aggressive, or are trained by their owners to be vicious. In California, in every situation, the owner of the dog is responsible for injuries sustained when a dog attacks. California Civil Code Section 3342(a) makes the owner of a dog strictly liable for damages suffered by a person who is bitten by that dog in a public place or lawfully in a private place.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack

The San Diego dog bite lawyers at Estey Bomberger are frequently contacted by victims of dog bites in San Diego County and throughout California. We have handled numerous dog bite claims, many of which involved young children who were victims. We have also represented joggers, couriers, and postal workers who have been attacked and sustained serious injury. When victims and their families contact us shortly after an accident, we are able to help the victims gather information, and preserve evidence valuable to a personal injury claim, so that ultimately we can recover the maximum compensation our clients are entitled to for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Many prospective clients ask us - what should they do after a dog attack? Below are the steps you should take if you or your child has been bitten by a dog.

Get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if a dog's bite does not appear life-threatening, dog bites may carry diseases that could cause an infection. Do not waste any time in going to an emergency room or urgent care center. If the bite causes severe bleeding, call 911. Seeking medical treatment is recommended both for your own well-being as well as documenting the extent of your injuries, should you wish to pursue a claim.

Identify the Dog (And its Owner). If you are able to, or if you are not ask someone to help you, write down the name, age, breed, and gender of the dog. Also get the contact information of their owner: their name, address, telephone number and their home owner's insurance policy information. If the dog's owner cannot be located, note the date, time, and exact location of the accident, and a general description of the dog.

Contact Police / Animal Control.
It is important that any serious dog attack or mauling be reported to your local police, sheriff or animal control agency. This creates a legal record of the event.

Document Your Injuries.
If possible, take photographs of all injuries and damage caused by the attack. Keep records of your medical treatment and how your injuries have affected you. How has your life changed because of your injuries? What future medical treatments (i.e., plastic surgeries) does your doctor recommend?

At Estey Bomberger, we understand the many concerns of dog bite victims. If you or someone in your family has suffered serious injuries because of a dog bite, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our San Diego dog bite injury attorneys available to discuss your case 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit our website to see our dog bite video testimonials and dog bite video questions.

Continue reading "San Diego Dog Bite Injuries and Victims' Rights " »

In the testimonial video below, our former client Allan speaks about his experience with the San Diego dog bite lawyers at Estey Bomberger, and how they helped his family after his daughter was bitten by a dog.

Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite?

California Civil Code Section 3342(a) makes the owner of a dog strictly liable for damages suffered by a person who is bitten by that dog in a public place or lawfully in a private place. To learn more about your legal rights after a dog bite, including the legal obligations of the dog bite owner and the types of compensation you may be entitled to, contact the San Diego personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger today for a free consultation and review of your potential case.

In the video below, our former client Matthew was kind enough to talk about about how the San Diego dog bite attorneys at Estey Bomberger helped him after he was bitten by a dog, and why he would recommend their services to others.

See some of our other personal injury attorney client testimonials:

• Car Accident Attorney Client Testimonial


• Motorcycle Accident Attorney Client Testimonial


• Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Client Testimonial


• Truck Accident Attorney Client Testimonial

At Estey Bomberger, our clients understand that after any accident that results in serious injury or the death of a loved one, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights. If you are interested in a consultation with a San Diego personal injury lawyer at Estey Bomberger, call us anytime at (619)312-4399, or fill out our case review request form. All consultations are free with no obligation.

If you have been bitten by a dog in California, you may be wondering who is responsible for the attack and what are your legal rights? The personal injury attorneys at Estey & Bomberger have recovered millions for victims of dog bite maulings and attacks. In the video below, founding partner Mike Bomberger addresses the common question of who is at fault in a dog bite attack. If you or your child have suffered serious injury in a dog attack, contact the San Diego dog bite attorneys at Estey & Bomberger for a free consultation of your legal rights.