A San Diego woman is offering a $500 reward for information about a pit bull involved in a dog bite incident two weeks ago. Tina Souza was attacked and bitten by a pit bull as she walked in her neighborhood. According to a 10news report, Souza says the white and brown pit bull ran through a gate and lunged straight for her throat. When Souza put her arm up to protect herself, the dog bit a chunk of flesh off her arm.

Horrific Dog Attack

It has been two weeks, but no one knows where the dog came from or who the owner is. Souza's arm still has not healed. Her neighbors say they no longer let their children play outside because they are scared the pit bull may return. State law requires a dog to be quarantined for 10 days after a bite. But this dog has not gone through that procedure because it is nowhere to be found.

I sympathize with Tina Souza who is clearly still suffering from the dog bite incident. She has not healed physically or emotionally from this horrible attack. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I also hope the dog and its owner are found so that the appropriate steps can be taken to obtain justice for Souza and keep the community safe.

Dog Bite Law in California

Based on this news report, this was a loose pit bull that ran through an open gate and lunged at Souza. The dog owner could no doubt be held liable for this attack and the personal injuries caused to Souza. 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."

Liability Issues

What that means is that if you are a dog owner in California and if your dog bites someone, then you are liable for the injuries caused. The only exceptions are when your dog bites a burglar or someone trespassing into your property. Dog bite victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled dog bite cases. If the dog owner also owns a home, then his or her homeowner's insurance should cover the loss and damages. Victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering and psychological counseling.

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None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.