Woman claims she was attacked by doctor's dog

GALVESTON - A Dickinson woman accuses a physician of letting his dog attack her unprovoked two years ago, recent court documents say.

Susan Thivierge's lawsuit against William H. Nealon, M.D., of Nashville, Tenn., claims that on Nov. 22, 2008, "the plaintiff was viciously and suddenly attacked without any provocation by the defendant's dog."

The suit was filed May 26 in Galveston County District Court.

Thivierge argues that she attempted to block the dog with hands and arms and was severely bitten numerous times on both hands and forearms in an effort to defend herself.

The plaintiff adds the dog continued its attack as she ran.

"The bites sustained to the plaintiff's hands and arms have caused her severe and excruciating pain, disfigurement, and impairment," the original petition says.

The suit ultimately claims that Nealon knew his dog had dangerous propensities.

"Nevertheless, the defendant failed to take steps to prevent his dog from injuring others," it says.

Consequently, Thivierge seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

She is represented by Perdue & Kidd LLP.

The case has been assigned to Galveston County 10th District Court Judge David Garner.

Case No. 10-cv-1474