Dog Bite

Woman Mauled by Vicious 135 Lb. Dog

Snow Law Firm Settlement: $175,000

Case Description 

The woman was attacked by a 135-pound Akita breed dog and suffered physical and emotional injuries. She suffered severe lacerations to her forehead and puncture wounds to the back of her head causing profuse bleeding, which required emergency medical treatment. She also sustained psychological trauma, which exacerbated a pre-existing mental health condition and has resulted in a permanent mental health impairment.

Legal Issues

The dog owner is strictly liable for the woman’s damages because when the incident occurred, she was not committing a trespass or other tort or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. Furthermore, the dog owner knew or should have know of his dog’s dangerous propensities as a result of an attack upon a 10-year-old boy who walked over to pet the dog three years prior.

Snow Law Firm sought damages for medical treatment of bodily injury and emotional trauma totaling $62,900; lost wages totaling $2,500; and permanent partial mental health impairment that would incur substantial medical expenses in the amount of $90,000 for additional psychological counseling throughout her lifetime.

Outcome

A settlement in the amount of $175,000 was awarded.