Escondido Dog Bite: Jogger Bitten Near Own Home

A 56-year-old man who had just finished a jog suffered serious dog bites to his forearm and hands when two wandering pit bull-mix dogs attacked him near his home. According to the North County Times, the dogs had a history of aggression, and even a history of biting.

According to the victim, Tom Atkinson, he had just finished a jog on Rock View Glen in Emerald Heights when he noticed the two dogs growling at a neighbor’s dog, which was on leash. As he approached the neighbor to talk, the two dogs attacked. He fought back, and the dogs eventually ran away.

The Escondido Animal Control responded to the attack and impounded one of the dogs, which was placed on a 10-day quarantine. Officials said that one of the dogs had another reported bite incident in the past 36 months.

Under California’s dog bite law, the owner of the dogs faces strict liability, and even the threat of punitive damages because of the prior bite. Under strict liability, the owner is presumed liable for the attack and the subsequent injuries, which would include any economic damages suffered by Atkinson (medical bills, lost wages, etc.), and a reasonable sum for the pain, scarring, anxiety, suffering, and inconvenience the attack has caused.

Source: North County Times

Based in North San Diego County, the San Marcos office of the Walton Law Firm represents individuals and families in personal injury cases, including car accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist claims, defective products, construction accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, and insurance disputes. Call (760) 571-5500 for a free consultation.