Bryan Waldman Obtains Jury Verdict for Dog Bite Victim – Leads to Successful Settlement

Sinas Dramis Law Firm partner, Bryan Waldman, recently obtained a substantial jury verdict for a dog bite victim in the Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing, Michigan. The verdict was in the amount of $326,151.00 and believed to be one of the largest dog bite jury verdicts ever obtained in Ingham County.

Our client was an elementary school teacher and avid runner. One morning while out for a run, she was attacked by a German Shepard. After suddenly and violently knocking our client to the ground, the German Shepard circled around her, growling and threatening to attack again. Our client’s physical wounds healed after approximately five weeks. However, she continued to suffer serious psychological consequences from the terrifying attack. She required psychological and psychiatric treatment and was ultimately diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dog phobia. At trial, Bryan Waldman performed a direct examination of the treating psychiatrist through which the seriousness and permanent nature of our client’s PTSD was established. The defense hired a psychiatrist who evaluated our client and testified that, although she initially suffered psychological consequences from the attack, her symptoms had fully resolved.

The defendant dog-owner was insured by Allstate Insurance Company. Prior to trial, the highest settlement offer made by Allstate was $25,000.00. Following the jury verdict in the amount of $326,151.00, our firm filed a motion for costs and sanctions against the defendant. Shortly before the motion for costs and sanctions was filed, the case settled for a total of $358,000.00.