43-Year-Old Man Dies After Dog Attack in Stockton

A 43-year-old man from Stockton, Calif. succumbed to his injuries after being attacked by a pit bull over the weekend.

According to neighbors, two men were exchanging words outside when one of the homeowner's pit bulls became violent. Police initially received a phone call for the verbal altercation, and then a second call when the dog attacked the victim.

The victim, who was visiting his friend who owned the pit bill, was walking to his car when the dog attacked. His wife and the dog's owner attempted to get the dog off of the victim, but the dog began to snap at the owner. Two pit bull puppies on the premises also attacked the victim, but were pulled away eventually.

Deputies arrived around 4 p.m. to the 500 block of North Gertrude Avenue and found an aggressive dog in the yard while the victim was found bleeding from numerous bites.

Police had to fatally wound the animal in an effort to save the victim, who was taken to a local hospital. Neighbors say the dog was always friendly and police are trying to determine if the dog may have had rabies, which caused the aggressive behavior.
Three years ago, a 38-year-old man was killed in Stockton by a pit bull less than a half-mile away from where this latest tragedy occurred.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), more than 4.5 million dog bites occur each year. The CDC also notes that men are more likely than women to be bitten by a dog.

Dog bites most often occur at home or around dogs that are familiar with the victim. Should you ever encounter an aggressive dog, be it yours or someone else's, do your best to remain motionless. If the dog attacks, curl into a ball with your head tucked and hands covering the ears and neck. It is also important to get medical attention as soon as possible in case the animal is infected with rabies.

Though you can protect yourself from a dog bite, pet owners must also do their part to prevent such incidents. Should you ever be harmed by a dog as a result of an owner's carelessness, contact the Sacramento dog bite lawyers at the Arnold Law Firm. Our injury lawyers can help you determine your legal options.

Call (916) 777-7777 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation.