Discovery continues in dog attack suit

Discovery is still underway 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, 2012, in Jefferson County District Court.

Centerpoint Energy was later added as a defendant. 

Court records show the most recent certificate of discovery in the case was filed Sept. 3 and shows Centerpoint Energy served the plaintiff with its objections and responses to plaintiff’s third request for production.

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.

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

Centerpoint is represented by Orgain Bell & Tucker attorney Michael Truncale.

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

Case No. E192-310