Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is reportedly being sued over a dog attack. According to a news report, Elliott’s neighbor is reportedly suing for more than $1 million in damages after one of the Cowboys players’ dogs allegedly attacked her.
Jennifer Gampper is suing Elliott for damages after she claims one of his dogs bit her last May.
Second Dog Bite Lawsuit
Elliott received citations after his dogs became loose, coinciding with the incident on May 21. One dog allegedly bit two people while loose, and both needed hospitalization for non-life-threatening injuries.
The lawsuit alleges that Elliott’s dogs got loose when a landscaping company, which Gampper is also suing, worked in Elliott’s yard.
All three of the ballplayer’s dogs reportedly escaped, and one of them bit Gampper, which she alleges caused “severe and permanent injuries.”
The incident is not the first time Elliott’s dogs have been accused of biting. In 2020, a pool cleaner filed a lawsuit against Elliott, claiming the dogs had attacked her.
Responsibility of Dog Owners
Dog owners have responsibilities, one of the most important of which is to ensure that their dogs are kept confined or restrained so they don’t pose a danger to others.
California and many other states have a “strict liability statute” regarding dog attacks.
According to California’s Civil Code Section 3342,
“The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the owner of the dog’s property, regardless of the dog’s previous viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
Liability Issues For Dog Attacks
This means dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses their pets cause.
Whether your dog attacks someone on the street or a public place or attacks someone legally visiting your property, you could be held liable for a dog bite incident.
Injured dog bite victims can seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of reconstructive surgeries, psychological therapy, permanent injuries, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
An experienced lawyer specializing in dog bite injuries can help injured victims understand their legal rights and options better.
Source: https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/dallas-cowboys-news-ezekiel-elliott-sued-1-million-lawsuit-dog-attack
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
