Virginia Lawyers Weekly VA Lawyers Weekly
Type of action: Personal injury, dog attack
Injuries alleged: Lacerations to upper and lower lip; puncture wounds and lacerations to right hand
Date resolved: 6/30/2022
Special damages: $29,809.28 in medical bills
Verdict or settlement: Settlement
Amount: $170,000
Attorney for plaintiff (and city): Libbey Van Pelt, Arlington
Description of case: On Oct. 15, 2020, a volunteer at the Winchester SPCA allowed the 16-year-old plaintiff to play on the floor with a pit bull. The pit bull, though leashed, attacked the plaintiff, causing lacerations to the plaintiff’s upper and lower lip, as well as puncture wounds and lacerations to the plaintiff’s right hand.
A FOIA request to the local police department revealed that this was the third severe dog attack in eight months at the Winchester SPCA.
The case settled pre-litigation for $170,000.
Plaintiff’s attorney Libbey Van Pelt provided case information. [022-T-156]
