Bergen County woman who lost thumb in pit bull attack settles with animal rescue

For Carol Olsen, a cake decorator from Midland Park, the vicious attack resulted in the loss of a vital body part.

“When she went to push the dog off her leg, it bit her right thumb off,” said Christopher DiGirolamo, the victim’s attorney. “The thumb could not be reattached.”

DiGirolamo said the injury initially made it impossible for his client to do her job in the bakery at a Wyckoff supermarket, but she returned to work when it healed months later. He said she is still not able to create the delicate flowers and other icing decorations that she made before the attack.

The loss of her thumb has also had lasting effects on her day-to-day life, DiGirolamo said. Household chores and tasks as simple as opening jars and putting on jewelry are beyond her ability, he said.

Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: devencentis@northjersey.com

Philip DeVencentis