Parents need to know how to keep kids safe from dog bites at the park.

Before heading out to your local park for some fresh air and sunshine, learn what you need to do protect yourself and your kids from a dog bite.

As the warm weather approaches, the local park is sure to be a popular destination for parents and children as well as dog-lovers and their pets. While you may not think your child is susceptible to a dog bite, the truth is that a dog attack can occur at any time and without warning, regardless of how well-behaved the dog has been in the past. The mauling of a two-year-old girl in a Concord park last week demonstrates how real the risk is. The girl, whose name has not been released, was in the park on Wednesday evening when she was attacked by a pit bull, suffering injuries to her face, head and right leg. If you're a parent, the following tips can help you to ensure that a leisurely outing to the park doesn't end in tragedy.

Preventing Dog Bites in the Park

• No matter how friendly a dog looks, it's never safe to approach a dog you don't know. Teach your kids not to walk up to strange dogs, regardless of whether they're leashed or how cute they are.
• Teach children to stand still and not run if they're approached by a strange dog. Running may provoke an aggressive response and result in injury to the child.
• Kids should avoid engaging in close contact, such as hugging or putting their face close to any dog, even if they're familiar with the animal. Close contact can provoke a dog bite leading to severe facial or head injuries.
• Teach kids not to attempt to distract or engage a dog that is eating or sleeping. It's also important that kids know not to touch or grab a dog's toy, such as a frisbee, or to tease the dog.
• Always keep a close eye on your kids and be aware of where they are in proximity to any dogs that may be present in the park. Look for parks that have separate fenced areas for dogs and children to play if you're concerned about the possibility of a dog bite.
• If you're taking your dog to the park, keep your pet on a leash and pay attention to the dog's body language when children or other animals approach. If your dog is aggressive or hasn't had any type of obedience training, it may be best to leave your pet at home.

A dog attack can leave its victim bearing physical and emotional scars for years to come. If you or a loved one was the victim of a dog attack in California, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contacting an experienced San Jose dog bite lawyer is the first step in protecting your rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing San Jose dog bite victims and their families. For more information on filing a dog bite injury lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

If you've been the victim of a dog bite, you need to understand your legal rights.

If you've suffered an injury as the result of a dog attack, it's important that you understand what your legal rights are.

A dog bite can occur at any time and without warning, potentially causing serious physical and emotional harm to the victim. Following a dog attack, you may be wondering what rights you may have, if any, to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages or pain and suffering you've experienced as a result of your injuries. Generally, the remedies available to dog bite victims depend on the liability laws in their state.

In California, Civil Code Section 3342 spells out the rights of individuals who are injured because of a dog attack. Specifically, the statute says that:

The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.

What this means is that if someone's dog bites you, whether you're in a public place, at the dog owner's residence or at your own home, the dog owner is responsible for your injuries, regardless of whether the dog has a prior history of attacking. In California, this is known as strict liability, which means that a person is liable for damages even if they used ordinary care was not negligent in keeping or controlling the animal.

If you were attacked by a dog in California, you have the right to pursue a civil claim against the dog owner in order to recover monetary damages for your injuries. Whether or not you decide to exercise this right may depend on the severity of the injuries, the nature of your relationship to the dog owner and their willingness to cooperate in resolving the issue without going to court. If you do decide to file a dog bite injury claim, there are several things you should do in order to protect your rights.

Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite

• Identify the dog and get the owner's contact information, including name, address and phone number.
  
• Seek medical care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment for a dog bite could potentially lead to a serious infection.
• Document the injury. Take pictures of your wounds as well as the attack location, the clothing you were wearing, etc.
• Report the incident. Following the dog attack, you should report the incident to local law enforcement or animal control. Request a copy of the report once it's complete.
• Document your recovery from your injuries using a journal. Keep records of your ongoing medical treatment and document any loss of income you may experience as a result of the dog bite.
• Don't sign anything from the dog owner or their insurance company without first consulting an attorney.

If you opt to file a personal injury claim, it's recommended that you seek the aid of an experienced California dog bite attorney. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer can help guide you through the process so that you can recover the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing dog bite victims throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a dog bite lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

A mother and daughter face involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from a fatal pit bull attack.

A San Diego woman and her daughter will stand trial in connection with the death of their elderly neighbor who was allegedly attacked by their two pet pit bulls.

After reviewing evidence presented by prosecutors, San Diego Superior Court Judge Charles Gill decided that Alba Cornelio, 40, and Carla Cornelio, 20, would stand trial for manslaughter, a felony charge of owning mischievous animals that caused a death and six misdemeanors in connection with the pit bull attack which occurred in June 2011. If convicted of the charges, Ms. Cornelio and her daughter face up to four years and eight months in prison.

Seventy-five-year-old Emako Mendoza had stepped outside her San Diego home to retrieve the newspaper when she was reportedly attacked by two pit bulls belonging to the Cornelios. Mrs. Mendoza suffered serious injuries and immediately following the attack, doctors had to amputate her left arm below the elbow and her left leg below the knee. Her right leg was also later amputated. Following the June attack, Mrs. Mendoza underwent additional surgeries to repair the damage caused by the pit bulls. She eventually died on Christmas Eve, and the medical examiner cited the injuries she sustained in the dog attack as a contributing factor.

The Cornelios have denied knowing the dogs were dangerous but these claims have been refuted by another neighbor who says the dogs attacked his puppy in 2010. The two have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and their attorney has characterized the incident as "unforeseen and unavoidable". Following the attack on Mrs. Mendoza, the two pit bulls and their puppies were euthanized.

This horrific incident once again puts the spotlight on the debate surrounding the safety of pit bulls. According to statistics from Dogsbite, a national advocacy group which promotes dog bite prevention education, there were 31 fatal dog attacks in the U.S. in 2011. Twenty-two of these incidents involved pit bulls or pit bull mixes. In California, there were four fatal dog attacks, three of which involved pit bull breeds.

If you or a loved one was hurt as the result of a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation if the dog owner's negligence contributed to your injuries. Contacting an experienced San Diego dog bite lawyer can help you to protect your legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing dog bite victims and their families throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a dog bite lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Dog owners need to know how to stay safe at the dog park.

With the warmer weather setting in, you and your dog are likely to want to spend more time outdoors. If you're thinking of heading out to your local dog park, consider the following tips in order to ensure that you and your pet stay safe.

1. Make your first trip to the dog park alone.

Before taking your dog out to play, it's best to scout out the dog park on your own. This gives you the chance to inspect the fencing, check the availability of drinking water and other facilities and get a feel for the other dogs who frequent the park

2. Make sure your dog's shots are up-to-date.

It's important to make sure that your pet's shots are current before you allow them to interact with other visitors to the dog park. Doing so ensures that your pet isn't spreading disease and that they're protected if they come in contact with a sick dog.

3. Teach your dog some basic commands.

Before you set out on your dog park adventure, it's a good idea to teach your dog some basic commands in order to ensure that they're on their best behavior. Your dog should be able to follow basic voice commands and hand signals and respond when called.

4. Leave the toys at home. 

While your dog may love to chase balls, frisbees or other toys, they can become a source of contention if another dog attempts to take them. You should also avoid taking small children along in order to avoid a potential injury from dogs who are playing too rough.

5. Go during down times. 

While you may be tempted to visit the dog park when there are lots of other dogs around, it may be best to go during the slow times to allow your pet to get used to the area.

6. Observe your dog's behavior and that of other dogs present. 

Keeping a careful eye on your dog can help to ensure your pet's safety. You should also be on the lookout for dogs that are acting aggressively. Pay attention to the body language displayed by your dog and the other dogs at the park in order so you can recognize the warning signs that may indicate a conflict. This also means being able to recognize the difference between dogs at play and dogs who are actually fighting. If your dog is still a pup, it may be best to socialize them with other older dogs they're familiar with before taking them to the dog park.

7. Don't attempt to break up a dog fight.

If a fight breaks out between your pet and another dog, don't attempt to break it up on your own. Doing so may only cause injury to yourself and your pet. Instead of attempting to grab onto the dog, try spraying water or making a loud noise in order to distract them from the fight. If a dog is injured as the result of a fight or if a dog attacks a person, you should seek medical treatment as quickly as possible.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento dog bite victims and their families. For more information on filing a dog bite injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Hug Your Dog Day is a new holiday created especially for dog owners.

The Purina Company is encouraging dog owners to post pictures of themselves on their Facebook page today hugging their dogs in celebration of "Hug Your Dog Day". While the newly created holiday is intended to help dog owners share their love for their pets, some critics of the event say the company may be putting the public at risk for a dog bite.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog each year. Nearly 900,000 of those dog bite victims require medical treatment for their injuries, with tens of thousands requiring reconstructive surgery to repair the damage caused by a dog attack. Children, in particular, are frequent victims of dog attacks and require medical care for their dog bite wounds more often than adults. The majority of injuries sustained by children involve bites to the face.

In an interview with WINK news, Florida dog trainer Kelly Legarreta claims that the Purina Company is acting recklessly in encouraging people to engage in the Hug Your Dog Day Facebook campaign because facial dog bites are most often the result of unwanted hugging. Legaretta says that dogs have a different set of communication skills than humans and that hugging may represent an invasion of space rather than a display of affection.

WINK news also interviewed Tara Moser, a family counselor who uses therapy dogs in her practice. Ms. Moser also expresses the view that unwanted hugging can lead to dog bites and encourages dog owners to let the dog initiate acts of affection. Ms. Moser also said that forcing a dog to pose for photographs, especially alongside children, can be risky behavior.

Purina sent the news station a statement regarding the interview, which reads:

“Hug Your Dog Day is a celebration of the very special and loving relationships dog owners across the country share with their four-legged best buddies every day.  There are a number of ways people can participate in the virtual hug fest by sharing “hugs” online.  Regarding the physical act of hugging your dog, we respect dog owners to know whether or not their dog likes to hug and be hugged and, if so, how based on their close relationship and daily interactions with him or her.”

While it remains to be seen whether "Hug Your Dog Day" will become an annual tradition, what is certain is that facial injuries caused by a dog bite can be severe. In many cases, victims of facial dog bites will require extensive surgery in order to repair their injuries. In some cases, dog bite victims may be left permanently disfigured following an attack. When a dog bite occurs, it's important to understand your legal rights. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog belonging to a negligent owner, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contacting an experienced Sacramento dog bite attorney is the first step in getting the help you need.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento dog bite victims and their families. For more information on filing a dog bite injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Fewer dog bite fatalities were reported in the first quarter of 2012 compared to last year.

Fatal dog attacks appear to be on the decline, with fewer dog bite fatalities reported in the first quarter of 2012 than compared to last year.

According to Dogsbite.org, a consumer agency specializing in dog bite awareness, five fatal dog attacks were reported from January through March of this year. Eight dog bite fatalities were reported over the same period in 2011, with half of the deaths occurring in January alone.

Of the five deaths reported so far, two of them involved pit bulls or pit bull mixes. The other three attacks involved a German Shepherd, Husky and a Rottweiler. Four of the attack victims were children, ranging in age from two days old to six years old. Two of the attacks involved children who were mauled to death by the family dog. A third child was fatally attacked by a neighbor's dog. The oldest and most recent victim was a 59-year-old mail carrier from Escondido, CA. Diane Jansen was walking her normal route when she was bitten on the legs by a pit bull that had escaped from a nearby home. Ms. Jansen suffered a stroke and lapsed into a coma before finally dying from her injuries three days later. The coroner's report listed the dog bite wounds as a contributing factor in her death. Four of the five deaths were attributed to dogs that were not restrained by a leash or chain.

In 2011, Dogsbite reported a total of 31 dog bite fatalities, 22 of which involved pit bulls. Pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for 84% of all fatal dog bites in 2011. Approximately 65% of all fatal dog attacks involved family pets. The state of California tied with the state of Texas for the most deaths overall, with four each.

While the apparent decline in fatal dog bites is encouraging, five deaths is still far too many to be acceptable, particularly since so many of these attacks involved innocent children. While no one can predict when a dog bite will occur, you can take steps to ensure that you and your children stay safe.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

• Don't approach strange dogs, even if they're on a leash or chain. Don't attempt to pet or feed any dog that you don't know.
• Don't disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping or taking care of puppies.
• Don't attempt to pet a dog through a fence or an open car window.
• Do not leave children, especially young children, unattended with a dog even if it's the family pet. Statistically, family dogs are more likely to be the perpetrator of a serious or fatal dog attack.
• If you encounter a strange or threatening dog, don't run. Slowly back away, placing an object or other obstacle between yourself and the animal if possible.
• If a dog attacks, draw your arms and legs into your body and use your hands to cover your face if possible. Seek medical attention as soon as you are able to.

If you or a loved one was the victim of a Sacramento dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering if your injuries were caused by the dog owner's negligence. Consulting an experienced dog bite lawyer in Sacramento is the first step in protecting your legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento dog bite victims and their families. For more information on filing a dog bite injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

The former "Grey's Anatomy" star was not seriously injured in Friday's dog attack.

Former "Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl had a frightening encounter with an overzealous puppy while on her way to yoga class in West Hollywood last week.

According to reports, Ms. Heigl was walking along the street when she encountered a man who was walking a large puppy that appeared to be some type of bulldog or pit bull breed. Without warning, the puppy clamped its teeth down on Ms. Heigl's wrist and held on for a few seconds before its owner was able to get it to release its grip. Ms. Heigl, a known dog lover and animal advocate, eventually reached down to pet the boisterous puppy before heading into her yoga class.

While the incident didn't result in any serious injuries, it does highlight how quickly a dog bite can occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year. Nearly 800,000 dog bite victims require medical treatment for their injuries annually. There were 31 fatal dog attacks in 2011, with 71% of the deaths attributed to pit bulls or pit bull mixes. The state of California tied with Texas for the most dog bite fatalities in 2011, with four each.

While restraining a dog on a leash can help to give the owner greater control of their pet, it doesn't guarantee that an attack won't occur. While certain breeds, such as pit bulls, have been associated more frequently with dog attacks, the reality is that any dog can bite at any time without warning. Had the dog involved in the attack on Ms. Heigl not been a puppy, she could have potentially suffered a debilitating injury.

According to State Farm Insurance, insurers pay out millions of dollars to cover costs related to dog attacks each year. Depending on the severity of the attack, a dog bite victim may require extensive hospitalization, reconstructive surgery or physical therapy in order to achieve a full recovery. In some cases, an injury may cause permanent scarring or disfigurement or result in the loss of vision, hearing or mobility in one or more limbs.

The high cost of medical care coupled with a decrease in wages due to an inability to work can compound the stress of a dog attack. In cases where the dog's owner contributed to the attack through negligence, a California dog bite victim may be eligible to seek compensation for their injuries. This involves filing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner and/or their insurance company.

San Diego dog bite victims need to understand their legal rights following a dog attack. If you or someone you love was bitten by someone else's dog, you need to consult an experienced dog bite lawyer in San Diego to determine whether you have grounds for an injury claim. The time you have to file a lawsuit is limited so it's important that you act as quickly as possible following a dog bite injury.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in assisting San Diego dog bite victims and their families. For more information on filing a dog bite injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

A San Diego postal worker's death from a stroke is being blamed on a previous pit bull attack. (Photo credit: CBS8)

The death of a 59-year-old San Diego letter carrier is raising awareness about the potential dangers faced by postal workers who encounter unleashed dogs.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Diane Jansen was bitten on the legs by a pit bull as she completed her route in Escondido on March 1st. The dog involved in the attack reportedly escaped from a nearby home through a partially opened garage door. Ms. Jansen was taken to Paloma Medical Center, where she was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage. She developed slurred speech and became unresponsive while being examined by medical personnel.

Ms. Jansen was placed on life support, which was terminated on the Saturday following the Thursday attack. She eventually passed away on Sunday evening, with the cause of death listed as "a stroke due to hypertension and cardiovascular disease”. The dog bites were listed as a contributing factor to the circumstances which caused Ms. Jansen's death.

The dog was euthanized following the consent of the owners. Escondido Police investigated the incident and have determined that no crime occurred. There has been no report as to whether any charges will be sought in connection with Ms. Jansen's death.

The unfortunate death of Ms. Jansen is yet another incident involving a dog attack on a postal worker. According to the U.S. Postal Service, the city of San Diego reported 45 instances involving dog attacks on letter carriers in 2010. This was second only to the city of Houston, which reported 62 such incidents. Los Angeles ranked third, with 44 dog attacks on letter carriers in 2010.

Mail carriers are not the only type of workers that may be at risk for experiencing a dog bite on the job. Other types of workers who may be at risk for a dog attack include delivery persons, Census workers, door-to-door salespersons, process servers, repossession agents and bail enforcement agents. Individuals who work in these types of jobs can minimize their chances of being injured in a dog attack by following these safety tips:

• Before approaching a residence, look for signs that a dog may live there. Check for dog toys, a dog house or a Beware of Dog sign.
• If you see a dog that is restrained on the property, do not attempt to approach it. Do not attempt to approach the home unless a clear path is available.
• If you encounter a dog that is unrestrained, do not attempt to reach out to it or pet it. Do not look the dog directly in the eyes as this can be viewed as a sign of aggression.
• Keep a clear path between yourself and the dog in case you need to make a quick exit. Back away slowly from the dog and get behind a vehicle, fence or other barrier if possible.

If a dog attack occurs while you're on the job, it's important that you seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. You may also consider contacting an experienced San Diego dog bite attorney to determine whether you're eligible to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing dog bite victims in the San Diego area and throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a dog bite injury lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Spending more time outside also means a greater risk of being the victim of a dog attack.

As winter begins to fade away and spring sets in, the warmer weather is sure to drive people of all ages out of doors. While spending time in the sunshine can be relaxing, it may also put children at increased risk for a dog bite, particularly in areas where they may encounter unleashed or stray dogs.

According to a 2009 study published by researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo, head and neck dog-bite related injuries among children are at their highest during the summer months. The researchers reviewed case histories for 84 children who were treated at for dog bite injuries at Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo from 1999 to 2007. The children ranged in age from 10 months to 19 years, with the average of the injured child being six. Approximately half of the injured children were aged four or younger.

One-third of the dog bite injuries involved bites to the cheeks, while 21% of the children were bitten on the lips. Eight percent of the dog bite incidents involved injuries to the nose and another 8% involved the ears. Sixty-four percent of the children suffered more than one facial injury and 40% of the patients required surgery to repair their wounds. Approximately 27% of the attacks involved family pets, with pit bulls most commonly identified as the culprit.

Children are often the victims of dog attacks due to their smaller size and their inability to defend themselves can lead to serious or even fatal injuries. If you know that your child will be playing outside, whether it's on the streets of your neighborhood, a local park or even your own backyard, it's important to teach them some basic safety rules to help them avoid a dog bite.

Warm Weather Dog Safety Tips for Kids:

1. Never approach strange dogs. Children should not to try to pet dogs through a fence or car window or disturb any dog that is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.

2. Always ask the owner's permission before petting a dog. If the owner gives permission, pet the dog in a gentle manner and avoid any rough or aggressive play.

3. Do not approach a dog that has been injured. If you see a dog that's been hurt, try to get help right away but don't go near the animal as this may cause it to try to bite you in self-defense.

4. Don't run if an unleashed dog approaches you. If you encounter a dog that isn't on a leash, don't run away, as this can trigger an attack response. Carefully and slowly back away, without making direct eye contact with the dog. If you can, put something between yourself and the dog, such as a fence, car or other obstacle.

While you want your kids to enjoy their spring and summer breaks, you also want them to stay safe. Teaching them how to respond in situations where they may encounter a dog can help to reduce their chances of being bitten. If your child is hurt as a result of a dog bite, you may need to speak with an experienced San Diego dog bite lawyer to determine if you're entitled to seek compensation for their injuries.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing dog bite victims in the San Diego area and throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a dog bite injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

A San Diego dog bite lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

When a dog bite occurs through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Consider contacting an experienced San Diego dog bite attorney if you find yourself in any of the following situations after a dog attack.

When The Dog Owner is Uncooperative

Dog owners can be held legally responsible for their dog's actions if their negligence contributed to the dog attack. For example, a dog owner may be considered negligent if he or she fails to keep the dog properly confined or leashed. When a dog owner is responsible for your injuries, he or she may attempt to cover the cost of your medical bills by filing a claim with their homeowner's insurance. The insurance company will typically try to negotiate the lowest settlement possible in order to resolve your claim. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel the dog owner is trying to minimize his or her financial responsibility for your injuries, contacting an experienced dog bite attorney can ensure that your rights are protected.

When the Injuries are Severe

A dog bite can cause serious damage and in some cases, a severe attack can result in disfigurement, permanent scarring, nerve damage, loss of mobility, impaired vision and other long-term complications. Dog bite victims may require long-term hospitalization, physical therapy and extensive surgery in order to achieve a full recovery. The cost of medical care combined with an inability to work due to injury can leave the victim suffering not only physically and emotionally but financially as well. If you or a loved one suffered severe or life-threatening injuries as the result of a dog attack, you should consider consulting a dog bite lawyer to ensure that you can get the compensation you need.

When You're Unsure of How to Proceed

When a dog bite occurs, figuring out what to do next can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience, particularly if you're attempting to deal with the dog owner's insurance company. Pursuing a dog bite claim requires a great deal of time and it also requires you to collect evidence necessary to prove your case. You will also have to fill out legal forms, file your paperwork with the proper court and maintain accurate records of your medical care, your expenses relating to the incident and your communications with the dog owner's insurance company. Attempting to do all of this on your own while you're still trying to recover from your injuries can create a very stressful situation and potentially slow the healing process. If the prospect of filing a dog bite lawsuit on your own is too much, calling a dog bite lawyer in San Diego can ease the pressure and give you peace of mind.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing dog bite victims and their families in the San Diego area. For more information on filing a dog bite injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.