Confidential
Settlement – $35,000Court
L.A. Superior San Fernando
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
David B. Wasson
(Wasson & Associates Inc.)
Experts
Plaintiff
Theodore R. Corwin
(medical)
Facts
On Aug. 18, 2001, the plaintiff claimed that she was walking with a friend in her neighborhood when, suddenly, a large German Shepard dog attacked her. The dog allegedly bit into her left thigh, ripping through her nylon sweat pants and locked onto her leg, thrashing his head about while tearing her flesh. When the dog finally released her leg, there were two large puncture wounds through the soft tissues of the muscles. She was transported to the hospital where she was treated by emergency room physicians. She was later treated by Dr. Corwin who recommended at least two surgeries to improve her appearance and attempt to correct the disfiguring deep indentation in her left thigh. He also recommended psychiatric treatment. Efforts by the plaintiff to have the dog destroyed failed. After an investigation by the Los Angles County Health Services, the dog was released to the defendant owner.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff submitted an initial demand of $60,000. The defendant offered $20,000. The plaintiff subsequently reduced her demand to $40,000 and the defendant increased its offer to $30,000. A compromise was reached at $35,000.
Specials in Evidence
$2,266 $4,700
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered physical and emotional distress injuries arising from the dog-bite incident. She has permanent scarring to the left thigh, with discoloration, and has suffered and will allegedly continue to suffer a disfigurement scar on her left thigh below the bikini line.
Other Information
The defendant owner of the dog (in pro per) at the time of the settlement was no longer an employee of co-defendant and efforts to locate him proved unsuccessful.
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