2-Year Old Survives Dog Attack To The Face

Saturday, April 27, 2019 by The Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman

“Dogs and children do not mix” is an arguable statement. There are several schools of thought when it comes to mixing dogs and children. Some say that it is okay to introduce babies to family dogs as long as there is always an adult nearby. Some say that dogs should always stay far from a baby until the baby is big enough to understand the dog. Others say that as soon as a baby enters the house all the animals have to go. But what about when you go to visit someone who has dogs? What are the rules there?

Our Oxnard dog bite attorneys at the Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman have heard all kinds of stories. We have heard victims say they were just walking around the neighborhood, eating at a picnic, or watering their garden. Dogs are lovable creatures, but they can act in unpredictable ways. No matter how long you’ve known the dog, there are times when they will still surprise you. Unfortunately, those surprises may come in the form of dog bites and severe injuries.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to Canine Journal, about 1 in every 69 people are bitten by a dog. Around 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States every year. Of those 4.7 million, around 800,000 are severe enough for medical attention. In 2018, there were 34 reported deaths due to dog bites and a 2-year old baby in Oxnard was almost 35.

The 2-year old was at his babysitter’s house when he was attacked by the babysitter’s brother’s dog. The dog that bit the 2-year old then escaped but was found a few days later. The dog was one of four in the home. The baby boy sustained bites to the face, neck, and head. Apparently, the story goes that the baby had food in his hands. The dog lunged after the baby for the food and also attacked the baby’s body. The babysitter’s brother was cited for multiple municipal code violations. For example, he did not have the dogs on a leash and the dogs did not have rabies shots.

When the owners of the dogs were approached later by news crew they disputed that the police’s statement that the dog bit the 2-year old multiple times. They insisted the dog only bit the baby once. It is not illegal to have dogs in your home. However, it is unlawful to have dangerous dogs in your home without proper confinement or city notification.

What To Do

If you or someone you love is suffering from a dog bite injury, you are not alone. Our Oxnard Dog Bite Attorneys are ready to help you get the resources you need to recover from your injuries. From medical bills to future emotional support, we can make sure that the dog owners are held accountable for their dog’s actions. Call 805-983-2344 or click here to start a free consultation about your case with our professional attorneys at the Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman in Oxnard today.