Discovery still proceeding in pit bull attack suit

Discovery is still continuing to unfold in a suit accusing a Beaumont dog owner of allowing four pit bulls to attack a passer-by.

On Aug. 8, Jeff Carnley, by and through his parent and legal guardian, Barbara Carnley, filed a lawsuit against Timothy Rozell and Ali Habibnia in Jefferson County District Court.

The latest filing in the case, a certificate of discovery, came on Jan. 5, court records show.

The document shows Habibnia submitted to Carnley his request for disclosure and production.

The complaint alleges that Rozell owned four pit bulls at West Park Addition, a property on North Major Drive owned by Habibnia of Beaumont. Barbara Carnley says her son was walking his dog outside Rozell’s residence on April 25 when the pit bulls attacked Jeff Carnley and his dog.

The dog bites were severe enough to cause serious, permanent injuries to Jeff Carnley, according to the lawsuit. His mother says Rozell and Habibnia both knew the pit bulls were dangerous but failed to take steps necessary to avoid the alleged attack.

In the suit, Barbara Carnley accuses Rozell and Habibnia of negligence and alleges they are liable for her son’s injuries. She is asking for an unspecified amount of money in damages.

Attorney Adam Nichols of Reaud, Morgan & Quinn in Beaumont represents Carnley. They request a jury trial.

Beaumont attorney Michael Lindsay represents Habibnia.

Case No. D-195-958