Pending Lawsuit

At my home 2 yrs ago my Rottie was told by a guest to "check the door", he jumped up on the door catching another guests arm with the tip of a nail. She, 22, at the time was screaming and went to the hospital for a precautionary tetnaus shot. The small hole type mark did not require even 1 stich and she is suing me for 2million dollars! I dont care about the money, I have homeowners ins. Can they take my baby is my concern, Please advise. Thank you.

[Titan]

Wow! I'm curious. What does the command "Check the door" ask your Rott to do? Please don't take this the wrong way, but why was a guest giving commands to your dog?

I don't believe they can take your dog away unless it can be proven that he/she is dangerous. You should check the laws of your county for the specifics. If the incident merely involved a nail scratch, I wouldn't be too worried. If the "victim" was flat out attacked when she entered your home, that's another story.

[This message has been edited by Titan (edited September 16, 1999).]

[Trish]

WoW, that is terrible that this person wants to sue you for 2 mil. Sheesh and was only a scratch. Man, I feel for you.

On a upside though. I dont see a judge giving that ammount nor anything close to it in this situation. Your dog didnt bit the person merely scratched them.

What I would do is, gather all the pertinent information about the incident. Have witnesses ready to testify, and also have your dog evaluated by a animal handler/trainer/ or vet. This will draw the picture of the temperament of your dog. If your dog is also obed. trained and you have the proof of this will also help. Any titles your dog has earned CD, CDX, BH or CGC will also help you.
I dont see a reason they would force your to destroy the dog, after all it was not a bite, just a scratch and was non-malicious. Seems you cant be too careful with our babies.
I wish you all the luck in the world.

Trish

Titan & Trish I appreciate your well wishes. It was my Brother In Law who told "Max" to check the door, which means see if anyone is there. My Max is very large, even for a rottie he stands over 32" tall and weighs 155# of solid muscle. Belive me if he bit this guest she would not have an arm. His disposition is beautiful. He allows my 2yr old neice to ride his back, supervised of course. My Mom had suggested if it goes to court to let the Judge met Max cause he would get drowned in kisses and it would be thrown out.

[Titan]

Oh! We say "Go see who's here"!

Having the judge meet your dog probably wouldn't be a bad idea. 155 lbs!!! Do you have an pictures of this massive teddy bear?

Titan I do have pictures but not on the web, I'm a fairly new user I have to have someone scan and get them on, he is just gorgeous!

[AngelBunny]

luvmax&lexy:

This is a frightful situation for you. Gold-digging, w/o a doubt. Good luck!

Even if the judge lets your dog into the courtroom, show a video full of scenes with dog being loving to child.

Have shots of your dog being ridden like a pony. Put dog into your bed, his head on a pillow, cover him with a blanket, & tell him to stay. Have the children get into bed next to the dog, with his head on the same pillow, covered by the same blanket. Have the child pretend to be asleep--or at least look sleepy as tho he's going for a nap.

Film a scene where the dog is lying on his side with the child using his flank as a pillow.

Put a party hat & a bandanna on your dog and have the dog & child pretend to hold a tea party.

Shoot a bunch of shots like this showing loving interaction between child & dog--the goofier the better, I think.

Since all too many people have odd ideas about Rotties, you've got to make as convincing an argument as you can that your dog is a big, huge, loving mush.

[tbmckee]

Luvmax&lexy:
I agree that you should get a vet to write a statement as to the dogs temperament too. Did you seek counsel on this?

People like that are just horrible. And two million dollars. What for? Pain and suffering?

Just a follow up for all you caring Rottie owners. I spoke with a renowned NYC attorney and there is NO CHANCE! of my baby being taken from me! The person filing suit will be lucky if she recieves the medical bill of $400.00. I'll keep you posted!

[BigBear]

Here in my city... the most that has ever happened, in this type of situation, is the owner being possibly put on probation. The probation is only for the same occurance...
Another thing that just recently happened with a Dobie bite... and this was a bite... was that the owner moved and it was agreed that the person take the dog out of the city...which was already happening...and they had to pay a 50 dollar fine and boarding fees for the impoundment. Total cost was around $400.00 for everything. So my guess is that this person is exploiting the fact that you have a rottie...and is trying to gain an early retirement! If I were her I wouldnt count on that happening!
Good luck with everything.

Bear