Housekeeper says family's dog dragged her, sues for $25,000

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County woman has filed a suit against a Charleston couple, claiming their dog dragged her while she was walking it, causing her to suffer more than $25,000 in medical expenses.

Janet Rawn of Nitro filed a suit Sept. 12 in Kanawha Circuit Court against David and Francine Thalheimer.

According to the suit, Rawn was a part-time housekeeper for the Thalheimers. Her duties involved performing cleaning services at their home. However, on Sept. 16, 2006, Rawn was told to walk the Thalheimers' dog in addition to her regular duties.

Rawn, who was 66 at the time, was 5-foot-1 and weighted 115 pounds, the suit says.

While walking the dog, it allegedly pulled Rawn onto the ground and dragged her for a considerable distance, the suit says.

Rawn suffered several injuries, including a pelvic fracture, left upper extremity contusion and abrasion, cervical strain and a closed head injury.

According to the suit, the Thalheimers were negligent by failing to provide Rawn with safe work, including making her walk a dog she did not have the physical capacity to control.

Rawn also claims that the defendants failed to take any financial responsibility for her injuries and damages.

Rawn claims she suffered mental anguish and distress, pain and suffering, past and future medical services totaling more than $25,000, loss of household services, aggravation, annoyance and inconvenience, as well as loss of enjoyment of life and attorney costs.

She seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney Thomas H. Peyton is representing Rawn. The case has been assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1761