Jessica Strawn was attacked by two pit bulls that escaped underneath a fence adjacent to a neighborhood park in Spring, Texas. According to witnesses, the dogs escaped on several occasions prior to January 2015. The HOA failed to provide any citations to the dog owners for the hole underneath the fence or warn residents about the danger. Mrs. Strawn’s husband and several Good Samaritans rescued her when the dogs dragged her to the ground and bit her on the neck and leg.
A Harris County Judge declared the dogs “dangerous dogs” as a result of the attack. The dogs were euthanized after they were labeled “dangerous dogs.” Texas Law requires owners of a “dangerous dog” to comply with several conditions, including obtaining $100,000 of liability insurance for the dog. Many owners cannot afford the insurance; and as a result, must euthanize the dog.
Attorney Patrick O’Hara represented Mrs. Strawn in her lawsuit against the dog owners, HOA and management company hired by the HOA. Plaintiff alleged that the dog owners were aware that their dogs were aggressive and failed to properly prevent the dogs from escaping. Plaintiff also alleged that the HOA and management company knew that the dogs had escaped in the past and failed to adequately enforce HOA Bylaws requiring dogs to be enclosed. The lawsuit resolved in August 2017.
If you were bit by a dog, contact The O’Hara Law Firm. Patrick O’Hara is a dog bite attorney that has represented many clients injured by dogs. The O’Hara Law Firm represents clients all over Texas, including but not limited to, Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, Tomball, Galveston and Baytown. Call today at 832-956-1138.