Monroe County Judge Awards Dog Attack Plaintiff Over $500,000 After Entry of Default Judgment

Monroe County Court of Common Pleas

In the case of Porter v. Voelkl, No. 2341-CV-2022 (C.P. Monroe Co. April 26, 2024 Zulick, J.), the court entered an award of damages in a dog bite case in favor of the Plaintiff after the Plaintiff had secured a default judgment against the dog’s owners.

Based upon the evidence presented, the court awarded the Plaintiff $502,400.00.

According to the Opinion, the Plaintiff had been knocked to the ground and injured when a loose dog attacked the Plaintiff’s dog in the parking lot of the Plaintiff's veterinarian.  As the dog fight occurred, the leash of one of the dogs wrapped around the Plaintiff and the Plaintiff was dragged around the parking lot by the leash.  The Plaintiff suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.

The Plaintiff sought treatment for injuries to his knee and shoulder, including physical therapy, surgery and other treatment modalities. The Plaintiff also presented claims for economic damages.

After the trial, the court entered an award in favor of the Plaintiff consisting of $200,000.00 for pain and suffering, $64,800.00 for loss of earnings or earning capacity, and $237,600.00 for loss of future earnings or earning capacity.

Anyone wishing to review a copy of this decision may click this LINK.


Source: “The Legal Intelligencer Common Pleas Case Alert,” Law.com (June 26, 2024).