[04-14-2023] Humboldt County, CA – Dog Attack in Miranda Leaves Three Women Injured

Three women aged 81, 60, and 50 sustained dog-bite injuries after getting attacked by two dogs west of Miranda in Humboldt County late Friday afternoon, April 14, 2023.

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Samantha Karges, they responded to the 200 block of Pine Drive at around 5:40 p.m. after receiving a dog attack report.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered three female victims who had been bitten. One of the two victims who was taken to a nearby hospital had severe injuries.

Deputies discovered during their investigation that when the 81-year-old victim was strolling on the road, two pit bulls reportedly approached and attacked her as she passed by a residence.

The 50-year-old victim heard the assault and attempted to stop it, but she was also bitten. The two managed to get away from the dogs and asked for help.

At the same time, the 60-year-old victim was out for a walk in the area when the dogs attacked her. She refused to receive medical care.

The attack was initially reported to involve three dogs. However, Karges claimed in an email that the third dog was not directly involved in the attack and did not bite anyone.

An animal control officer discovered the pit bulls nearby and had them impounded. They were brought to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter, where they are under mandatory quarantine.

Investigations of this dog bite accident are still ongoing.

Reputable Dog Bite Attorneys in Miranda, Humboldt County

Usually, dog bites are tense and aggressive, especially when several dogs are involved. If they survive, the attack victim will likely have puncture wounds, scratches, or crush injuries. If the dog’s immunizations are out-of-date, the bite victim may need a rabies vaccine or other treatment.

Dog bite puncture wounds can cause excruciating pain, and healing can take weeks. Dog attacks should be treated medically as soon as possible. Afterward, seek legal advice from an experienced dog bite attorney.

Contact our firm for assistance if a dog bite has caused physical or psychological harm to you or a loved one. Our Humboldt County dog bite injury attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are knowledgeable about California’s dog bite laws and can assist you in filing a claim.

Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Accident

After a dog bite accident, here are the things you should do:

• Assuming it is safe, it is a good idea to call the police after gathering information. It allows the police to record what occurred during the accident in a central database and keep it in a file within the police department, and they can access it anytime.
• Usually, the police will respond to an accident at the scene of the incident. However, if the authorities don’t arrive, you can call or visit your local police station to report the accident.
• The most critical step following a dog attack is seeking medical attention. Your prognosis may be improved the quicker doctors treat your wounds.
• Contact a knowledgeable California dog bite lawyer from our firm.

Dog Bite Injury Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 4.5 million Americans are dog bite victims annually. In addition, there are more than 800,000 who seek medical attention due to dog attacks. Children account for at least half of all bite victims.

Statistics show California had the highest number of fatal dog bites in 2019. Thirty-six dog attacks killed 15 children and 21 adults in 2018.

Dogs can attack you in multiple ways, including biting, scratching, and knocking you over. Dog bites occur when a dog bites a person and causes bodily harm. A bite injury can result in infection, deformity, temporary or permanent damage, and even death.

Dog attack laws are different from state to state. Section 3342 of the California Penal Code outlines the steps to take in court in case of a dog bite. A dog bite victim who suffers losses while the owner is lawfully present is liable under this section for those losses.

Since dogs bite so frequently, people should exercise caution when petting other dogs. Some dogs bite even when not provoked. That said, ensure to remain calm and avoid physical contact.