Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is reportedly being sued over a dog attack. According to a news report, Elliott’s neighbor is reportedly seeking more than $1 million in damages after she was allegedly attacked by one of the Cowboys player’s dogs. Elliott’s neighbor, Jennifer Gampper, is seeking damages after she was allegedly bitten by one of Elliott’s dogs last May.
Second Dog Bite Lawsuit
The incident occurred on May 21 and coincided with Elliott being issued citations after his dogs got loose. It is alleged that one of the dogs bit two people while it was loose and that both victims required hospitalization for their injuries, which were said to be non-life-threatening. 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 ball player’s dogs reportedly escaped, and one of them bit Gampper, which she alleges caused “severe and permanent injuries.” This is not the first time Elliott’s dogs have been accused of biting. He was also sued in 2020 after a pool cleaner claimed the dogs 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 what is known as a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog attacks.
California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: “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 property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
Liability Issues
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 dog bite lawyer 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
