MORGANTOWN — A couple are suing the owner of a dog they say got loose and attacked the woman in Morgantown’s North Hills neighborhood
Plaintiffs Linda and James Barnes seek compensation for Linda’s injuries, medical expenses, pain, suffering and more. The suit also asks for attorney fees and punitive damages for the negligent conduct of the defendant, Lindsay Smith.
The Barnes and Smith were neighbors on Briarwood Street on July 4, 2019, when Linda was walking around the neighborhood.
Smith’s dog, Leiland, which according to the suit was normally kept inside, had escaped and was running at large on Briarwood Street, where Linda was walking. The suit states Smith knew her dog had “dangerous or vicious propensities.”
Leiland then attacked Linda unprovoked, jumping onto her chest knocking her down and biting her stomach, the suit states.
As a result of the attack, Linda suffered “substantial and severe” injuries, including a fractured left humerus (upper arm bone), which required surgery and multiple wounds and lacerations on her torso. She has permanent scarring and disfigurement at the bite locations and medical bills of at least $38,522.16.
Leiland was quarantined by animal control authorities after the attack, according to the suit.
Tweet @DominionPostWV
