Woman bites back with lawsuit after dog bite

CHARLESTON - A South Charleston woman has filed a suit against the owners of a dog that attacked her, causing serious injury.

Ping Zhao filed a suit Aug. 7 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Leslie Morton, Sidney Lopinsky and Josephine Lopinsky.

According to the suit, Zhao was attacked by Morton's dog Rocky on March 14, 2007.

Zhao claims she was bitten on the chest, arms, shoulders, stomach and genitals, during an "unprovoked attack." As a result, she suffered physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses and permanent scarring.

According to the suit, prior to the attack Rocky possessed traits and tendencies abnormal to its class of animals.

Sidney and Josephine Lopinsky are Morton's parents and own the property where she lives. According to the suit, the Lopinskys failed to make sure the dog was secured.

Zhao seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney Jonathan R. Mani is representing Zhao. The case has been assigned to Judge Charles King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-1635