Dog Attack on Child

Case Type: Dog bite
Settlement: $ 485,000

Facts of the Case

Our two year old client was at a local park with her mom. The park was next to a home with a fenced yard and there was a hole in the fence. The homeowner’s dog was in the yard and suddenly ran through the hole and attacked our client, viciously biting the young girl on the face.

Types of Injuries and Harm Suffered

• Multiple bites to the face
• Severe lacerations to the right cheek requiring stitcheds
• Scar revision surgery
• Permanent scars
• Fright & shock
• Psychological damages
• Medical bills

Legal Issues in the Case

• Was the dog owner was strictly liable for the attack?
• Was there was provocation for the attack?
• How much compensation was appropriate for a settlement?
• Whether future surgery was needed for the scars?

What We Did to Win the Settlement

We filed a lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court and took the deposition testimony of the parties, eyewitnesses, police officers, and animal control officers. We also obtained all of the medical records and had a professional photographer take photographs to demonstrate the seriousness of the scars. We also had our client examined by a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate the need for future surgeries and the costs associated with those procedures.

We attended a court ordered mediation and agreed to a settlement of $ 485,000 that was approved by the judge. The settlement funds were placed in an annuity insurance policy to be paid on an annual basis after the child turned eighteen years old. Additional payments were scheduled for medical procedures that were necessary before she reached the age of majority.