Pit bulls are notorious for attacking people and other animals, and when it occurs, the owner of the dog is often held responsible for the injuries that the dog causes. However, some cases involve multiple actors and multiple factors that could lead to an assignment of liability. It appears that one such case could develop based on a troubling incident in Hialeah earlier today.
According to the Sun-Sentinel:
“An off-duty Surfside police officer fired at a charging pit bull this morning, missing the dog but grazing a woman standing nearby, police said.
The woman was grazed in the neck and treated at the scene, said Detective Eddie Rodriguez, a Hialeah police spokesman.
The officer, holding his young child, had gone to check his mail at the building on the 2900 block of West 80th Street.
The pit bull charged at him, Rodriguez said.
The bullet ricocheted off the ground and grazed a woman in the neck.
Her injuries were minor, police said.”
The article goes on to state that it’s not yet known what will happen to the dog. Thankfully, the woman hit was not seriously injured, but this represents a complicated legal situation if she decides to pursue legal remedies. The officer could be liable for discharging his weapon, and the dog owner could be liable for allowing a dangerous dog to roam the streets.
If you have been harmed in such a situation where more than one party could be liable, you need the help of a Hialeah personal injury attorney who understands the intricacies of the law. Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Wed, Jul 29, 2009
Personal Injury