Mail carrier reaps $200K verdict from dog bite trial

A Jefferson County jury recently awarded a mail carrier, who was allegedly bit while making a delivery, more than $200,000 in damages following a two-day trial. 

As previously reported, Kelly Tillerson, a U.S. Postal Service worker, filed suit against Jille Matte Tucker and Melissa Benedictis on Oct. 5, 2010, in Jefferson County District Court.

The trial began Monday, Dec. 3 and ended two days later.

In her suit, Tillerson claims that in 2009 dogs attacked her as she delivered mail on 21st Street in Beaumont.

Justin Graves and Winey Robbins were added as defendants, since they owned the pit bull that bit Tillerson.

Tucker is the owner of the home. Benedictis was staying at the home, court records show. Tucker was later dropped from the suit.

According to the charge of the court, jurors found all the defendants contributed to Tillerson’s injuries. Jurors awarded her $50,000 for her mental anguish, $100,000 for her impairment and disfigurement, $13,138 in medical expenses and $40,000 in lost wages.

During the trial, Tillerson accused the defendants of negligence, alleging they failed to keep a proper lookout for her safety, failed to maintain control of the dogs, failed to exercise ordinary care and failed to keep a proper distance from her.

Anthony Malley III of Moore Landrey in Beaumont represents her.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is presiding over the case.

Case No. A188-532