Discovery underway in dog attack suit

Discovery is heating up in a suit brought by Reginald Whitaker, who claims Lois Morrell’s dogs attacked him while reading a meter at a Beaumont home.

As previously reported, Whitaker, claiming he should have been safeguarded, filed suit against Morrell on April 16 in Jefferson County District Court. 

Court records show the most recent certificate of discovery in the case was filed Jan. 8 and shows the defendant served the plaintiff with her first supplemental objections and responses to plaintiff’s request for production and requests for disclosure.

The lawsuit alleges that on Aug. 31, 2011, Whitaker was in the course and scope of his employment with AMS Utiliserv and was reading the meter at Morrell’s home when several dogs attacked him.

Whitaker claims he suffered injuries to his legs, knees and left hand.

He is accusing the defendant of negligently failing to provide a safe environment while he read the meter, the suit states.

He is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

Attorney Tom Oxford of the Beaumont law firm Waldman Smallwood represents him.

The defendant is represented by Beaumont attorney Eric Laskowski of the Lewis Law Firm.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. E192-310