Five Verdicts for Dog Bites

While a dog-bite victim may earn compensation from the insurance (homeowner’s or renter’s) of the dog’s owner, it is important to note that many insurance policies will not insure “aggressive” or “dangerous” breeds, such as pit bulls or rottweilers. Here are some recent verdicts for attacks/bites from pit bulls:

• Connecticut victim awarded $15,815 – dog’s owner held strictly liable

A 28 year-old female plaintiff, as a guest at a barbecue, was bitten on the face by the owner’s pit bull when she tried to pet it while it was “doing its business.” The bite required stitching around her right eye and caused permanent scarring. Although the owner clearly warned her that the dog is uncomfortable around strangers, he was still held strictly liable and she was awarded $15,000 (non-economic damages) and $815 (medical expenses). (Wadsworth v. Parmelee Case No. CV-11-6016-15, Conn. Sup. Ct.)

• Oregon woman receives $108,000 settlement for dog-bite

A 43 year-old Oregon woman at a party was attacked by a pit bull and claimed negligence on behalf of its owners for allowing it to roam freely; other guests also testified that the dog was “aggressive” and “unpredictable.” The woman suffered facial injuries which required plastic surgery and, although the court found her 48% liable for “petting an animal she did not know,” she was awarded $108,000. (Shertzer v. Davis Case No. 14CV0258, Circuit Court of Oregon)

• Town held liable for failing to prevent dog-attacks

An 82 year-old woman and her neighbors (Hamburg, NY) had filed as many as eight complaints about a particular neighborhood dog, supposedly for attacking other dogs and attempting to forcefully enter her home. In a particular incident, the dog attacked the woman (Celeste Swietlik) in her own front yard, resulting in a severe wrist fracture which required in-patient treatment and two internal pins within the wrist. The woman claimed she had “justifiably relied” on the reassurance of the town warden, who had visited her several times before, and the town’s assumed duty to protect her. A jury held the city of Hamburg liable for failing to protect her and she was awarded $150,000.

• $1.12 million verdict in case for Washington woman

In 2013, a 65 year-old woman in Washington, while walking through her neighborhood, was brutally attacked by two pit bulls (of the same owner). She suffered multiple injuries and later suffered a heart attack while she was hospitalized, resulting in her death. The case has recently resulted in a verdict of $1.12 million against the owner of the dogs.

• $72 million initial verdict for dog-attack on a young girl

In 2010, an 8 year-old girl in DeKalb County, Georgia, was attacked by two local dogs after her neighbor allowed them to roam freely and unleashed. She suffered severe injuries to both ankles, permanent limited use of her right arm, and partial amputation of her left arm. Her parents claimed that the defendants failed to control and secure the dogs, as well as vaccinate them, and the jury awarded the plaintiffs $72 million (actual and punitive damages). Due to Georgia’s $250k state cap for punitive damages, this amount was later reduced on appeal by about half, to $37 million.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an attack by a dog due to the owner’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.