Dog Attack Sparks Campaign to Ban Dogs At Parks in California
California Woman Seeks Changes At Park After Dog Attacks Son
A northern California woman has begun a campaign to get dogs out of certain parts of an area park after an American bulldog attacked her son. According to a NBC Bay Area report, the city had placed signs stating that dogs were not allowed, but parks workers admitted they had not enforced the restriction for years. Nine-year-old Jakob Buzynski was playing inside a softball field area of a Suisun City park when he approached a woman and her dog, asking permission to pet her dog. The owner stated that the dog was friendly, but it attacked the boy, causing significant damage to his lip and face. The dog’s owner later stated that the animal lives with three small children and had never attacked anyone before.
Was Enough Being Done to Prevent Animal Attacks in Parks?
The boy’s mother, Lorelei Burzynski, later questioned why the city permitted the dog inside the softball field area, since signs posted at the entrance to the softball fields stated, “no pets allowed.” The mother told NBC Bay Area that dogs should be excluded from the softball fields, so that her son and other children could be safe and comfortable while playing there. Mick Jessop, the city’s director of recreation, stated that enforcement had become more relaxed over the years. Furthermore, NBC Bay Area reported that the current Suisun City ordinances allow dogs at city parks if leashed. City leaders told NBC Bay Area that, in light of the attack on Burzynski, the signs and the city ordinances need to be revisited.
Often dog owners are covered by homeowners insurance, even when the dog is out in public. In many cases, other parties, such as a landlord, can be held liable for injuries caused by a dog owned by someone else, such as in the situation where a dog is known to be dangerous, but the landlord does nothing to prevent harm.
What to Do if You are Bitten by a Dog?
The first step, of course, in any dog bite situation, is to report the incident to police and seek medical attention, as needed. The Solano County web site states that persons seeking to report an animal attack should contact the county’s Animal Care Services or, if not during business hours, the Sheriff’s Office dispatch. After reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities, though, you should contact a dog bite injury attorney to discuss the incident. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries, and not only from the owner of the dog. In some cases, a town or city can have liability for failing to take steps to prevent dog attacks. California has a two-year statute of limitations for dog bite injuries, but this time is shortened to six months for cities and other governmental agencies.
Case of Pit Bull Attack in Santa Monica Park Settled
Recently, the City of Santa Monica, California, settled a dog bite case where a pit bull mauled a boy in a city park. In that case, the dog broke through a defective gate that enclosed a dog run at the city’s Memorial Park. Once free, the dog mauled seven-year-old Zachary Rasmussen, causing brain, neck, back and shoulder injuries. Zachary’s family sued, and the city and the family ultimately settled the case for $325,000, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer if You’ve Been Attacked
It is important to consult a San Francisco dog bite attorney if a dog attacks and injures you. The law may allow you to obtain compensation from the animal’s owner, or others responsible for controlling the animal, depending on the circumstances of your case, such as an animal’s history of aggression or violence. Even if the animal has no negative history, you may still be able to recover, as California law has no “one bite” rule with regard to animal attacks. Click now to request a free no-obligation consultation with a dog bite lawyer or call 415-541-0300 to request a consult.
Boone Callaway is a personal injury & medical malpractice lawyer in San Francisco who has been working with clients in the Bay Area for over 25 years. Mr. Callaway is one of only a few personal injury litigators in San Francisco who is a Super Lawyer, AV Rated and is also a member of ABOTA – American Board of Trial Advocates.
