In New Have, and elsewhere, regardless of the breed of dog a pet owner has, they have a responsibility to ensure that their pet is properly socialized so it will not attack or that it is safely enclosed in their home or yard. If a dog gets out and attacks someone, it can result in serious personal injury, which can have lasting effects. Often, the pain from dog bite injuries is not just physical; victims of animal attacks often have lasting emotional pain as well.
A 73-year-old woman in Cincinnati was reportedly attacked outside her home recently by two pit bulls. The dogs, which belong to a neighbor, ripped off the woman’s left buttock and one of her ears. She also suffered serious injury to other parts of her face and head, her arm and her leg. According to reports, the woman remains in the intensive care unit at the local hospital. She has undergone one surgery already and will purportedly need at least one more, as well as rehabilitation.
The woman’s family has reportedly already taken up the fight to encourage the city to reexamine a recent city ordinance change that lifted a ban on owning pit bulls in Cincinnati. In addition to trying to have the laws regulating the breed that was involved in the dog attack, the woman could also choose to file a civil lawsuit against the pet owner. A dog bite claim of this type would likely seek financial compensation for medical expenses and other damages, including pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you too could choose to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dogs. Consulting with an attorney can help you to determine the best course of action for your situation.
Source: Fox 19, “Woman, 73, remains hospitalized after dog attack,” Dec. 14, 2013
