A woman suffered severe injuries requiring more than 100 stitches after a dog attack. While out for a stroll with her nephew in a Round Rock neighborhood near Austin, three dogs mauled Maria Perez, 55.
According to a report in The Daily Mail, Perez was taking a routine evening walk with her nephew near her home when a neighbor opened her front door as they rounded a corner. The neighbor’s three large dogs darted out and charged right away toward Perez and her nephew.
Horrific Dog Attack Incident
Doorbell camera footage caught the moment when Perez’s nephew managed to leap out of their way and the three dogs fixed their attention on the woman, chasing her toward a house as she desperately tried to fend them off.
Another neighbor who saw the horrific attack tried to come out and help Perez. But she, too, was badly injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Perez was transported to the hospital and treated for multiple bites.
Animal control officers seized the dogs and took them to a nearby shelter to check for rabies. Perez’s daughter said her mother’s cuts are “very, very deep and very painful” and that she had to get more than 100 stitches.
A police spokeswoman said each of the dogs was a mixed breed and that it was not clear what mix they were. The dogs are in quarantine until officials decide what will become of them. The dog owner has been issued three citations, one for each dog.
This is a horrific attack that has unfortunately caused serious injuries to two people. We wish Perez and her injured neighbor the very best for a speedy and full recovery.
Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries sustained in an attack could lead to potentially serious medical issues, including lethal infections. Bite injuries occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin, leading to varying degrees of trauma.
Dog bites can range from minor puncture wounds to severe lacerations, and the consequences can extend beyond bodily injuries, often affecting the emotional and psychological well-being of the victim.
The severity of dog bite injuries can depend on various factors, including the dog’s size and breed, the bite’s location, and the victim’s age and overall health.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to more severe injuries due to their weaker immune systems and smaller stature. In addition to the immediate physical damage, dog bites can lead to complications such as infection, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.
Infections can result from bacteria in the dog’s mouth, which may lead to cellulitis or abscess formation. Prompt medical attention, including wound cleaning and antibiotics, is crucial to prevent these complications.
The emotional impact of a dog bite injury can be significant, often resulting in long-lasting fear or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Legal ramifications may also arise for the dog’s owner.
The dog attack laws in California involve strict liability, which means that the owner may be liable for any injuries even if the dog has no history of aggressive behavior.
Dog Owners’ Responsibilities and Potential Liability Issues
It is important to understand that owning a dog is a significant responsibility that involves not only caring for the dog’s needs but also ensuring the safety of others.
Responsible dog ownership can prevent such attacks while fostering positive relationships between dogs and their communities. Here are some of the important responsibilities dog owners have:
Basic Care: Dog owners are responsible for providing their pets with proper food, water, shelter, and medical care. Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are essential to maintaining the dog’s health.
Training and socialization: Owners should invest time in training their dogs to ensure they are well-behaved and socialized. Properly trained dogs are less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior or pose a risk to others.
Restraint and control: Dog owners must keep their pets under control, whether through leashes, fences, enclosures, or other means. Allowing dogs to roam freely in public spaces can lead to accidents or aggressive incidents.
Licensing and identification: Many jurisdictions require dog owners to license their pets. This helps reunite lost dogs with their owners and ensures they are up-to-date on vaccinations. Dogs should also wear proper identification, such as tags with the owner’s contact information.
Preventing aggressive behavior: It’s the owner’s responsibility to recognize and address any sign of aggression in their dog. If a dog has a history of aggressive behavior, the owner must take appropriate measures to protect others from harm, including muzzling and behavioral training.
Under California’s strict liability statute, dog owners can be held legally responsible for their pet’s actions. If a dog bites or injures someone, the owner can be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, the cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, scarring, disfigurement, and pain and suffering.
Some homeowners‘ or renters’ insurance policies require coverage for dog-related incidents. Dog owners should inform their insurance provider about their pets and ensure they have adequate coverage.
Contacting an Experienced Dog Attack Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been a dog bite victim, contacting an experienced dog bite lawyer is a crucial step in seeking legal recourse and compensation for your injuries.
A skilled dog bite lawyer can help evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident, assess the damages, and help you understand the legal process, including the potential compensation to which you may be entitled.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12625915/texas-dog-austin-perez-round-rock.html
