Lawsuit filed over alleged dog attack

HUNTINGTON – A woman is suing the owner of a dog after she claims the dog attacked her and caused her injuries.

On March 8, 2011, William Ball’s dog, known as Bo, attacked and mauled Sandra Adams, according to a complaint filed March 6 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Adams claims the attack was unprovoked and that the dog was known to be violent.

Ball’s dog “was bred and of a breed specifically known for its violent tendencies and propensity for unprovoked violent attacks upon human beings,” the complaint states.

Adams claims Ball knew or should have known of the violent propensities of the breed in general and the violent propensities of Bo in particular.

Ball failed to take reasonable steps to control the dog and caused Adams’ injuries, according to the suit.

Adams claims she suffered physical pain and suffering; mental pain and suffering; loss of enjoyment of life; permanent physical impairment and increased risk of arthritis and other diseases and physical ailments; and medical and other related costs.

The dog was an inherently dangerous instrumentality for which the defendant is strictly liable for all injuries inflicted by it, according to the suit.

Adams is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Scott G. Stapleton of Stapleton Law Offices.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 13-C-145