$75K Settlement in Dog Bite Case

Our client’s sister was returning home from walking her two Pomeranians (on leashes) when the neighbor’s Pit
Bull/Dalmatian mix escaped from its home, charged onto her sister’s property, and attacked her sister’s dog,
Ralphie.

As our client tried to separate the dogs, the neighbor’s dog bit her hand. Even though our client only had $3,500 in
medical charges, she suffered nerve damage in her hand that could not be fixed without the risk of further
complications.

The insurance company disputed liability and blamed our client for breaking up the dog fight. He claimed she should
have just stood by and watched her sister’s dog get viciously attacked. They refused to make a reasonable offer, so
we filed suit.

The case was mediated at the request of the insurance company, however, they still offered less than $10K, so we
walked out. That evening, Genavieve sent a letter to the defendant saying that Plaintiff’s demand to settle the case
for $75K would remain open for two weeks, after which time it would be revoked and we would go forward with trial.

Somewhat to our surprise, within the two weeks, the defendant offered the full $75K demanded, without attempting to
negotiate.

The vast majority of my cases settle in mediation, but sometimes, when you know what your case is worth, you have to
walk away. That is what we did here, and it paid off.