North County Family Attacked by Dogs While Jogging
Several of the family members had to be treated for serious dog bites.
The vicious dog attack occurred Sunday night near Valley Center Middle School and sent two brothers to the hospital with serious injuries.
According to police reports, five members of the Garritson family, a nationally known group of competitive runners, were jogging along the 2000 block of Cobb Lane when the attack occurred. Four members of the group were making their way along a dirt path that runs parallel to Lake Wohlford Road when five dogs suddenly appeared. The dogs, believed to be pit bulls, suddenly began attacking 21-year-old Richard Garritson and dragged him to the ground.
Richard's sister Maegan Garritson, 18, reported that the dogs viciously attacked her brother once they pulled him down. Another brother, John Garritson, 20, urged his sister and a niece who was also jogging with the group to flee. The two ran four miles back to the Garritson home, where their father called for help.
Both Richard and John Garritson were airlifted to Sharp Memorial Hospital to be treated for their injuries. According to reports, Richard suffered serious dog bite wounds to his legs and the family has expressed concern over when and if he will be able to walk again.
A third brother, 28-year-old Blake Garritson was jogging along another trail in the area when he heard his brother' screams. By the time he arrived on the scene, the pack of vicious dogs was gone.
San Diego County sheriff's deputies were called around 5:35 p.m. and are still investigating whether the dogs were strays or whether they belonged to someone in the surrounding area.
The Garritsons have been profiled in Runner's World Magazine, the Los Angeles Times and other regional and national publications. According to Blake Garritson, the entire family typically runs anywhere from six to ten miles every day.
This unsuspecting family unfortunately found out that a dog attack can occur anywhere and at any time. While thankfully none of joggers were killed, the injuries the two brothers sustained may have serious implications for their future quality of life. They may both face a long road to recovery, which could include extensive surgeries and physical therapy, all of which can be very expensive.
If the San Diego sheriff's office is able to locate an owner for the dogs who attacked the Garritsons, they may face both criminal and civil penalties. Under California law, the injured brothers may be able to sue for damages for their medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a vicious dog attack, you need to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney right away. The law firm of Nadrich & Cohen specializes in assisting dog bite victims in the San Diego area and throughout California in proving their personal injury claim.
Call our Injury Hotline at 1-800-718-4658 to speak with one of our dog bite injury experts. There is no charge for your initial consultation and there is never a fee unless we recover a money judgment on your behalf. Call now to get the experienced legal representation you need to win your California dog bite injury case.
