SALEM – An Upshur County woman who incurred more than $500,000 in medical bills after a dog attack is seeking damages from a homeowners association.
Margaret McDaniels filed a complaint on June 21 in the Marion County District Court against Pine Harbor Home Owners' Association alleging negligent handling and strict liability.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Feb. 4, 2018, she was visiting a resident at defendant's Pine Harbor property to sell a vehicle when she was attacked by dogs that lived with the resident. She alleges the dogs "ripped and tore her arms, back, legs and head" and dragged her for a block. She alleges she needed skin grafts to her face, head and arms and that her arms "no longer work well." The suit states she has incurred more than $536,000 in medical bills.
The plaintiff alleges that the defendant knew about the "vicious propensities" of the dogs at the resident's property for years and that the dogs have bitten people multiple times.
The plaintiff holds Pine Harbor Home Owners' Association responsible because the defendant allegedly negligently failed to enforce its own rules that dogs must be kept fenced or on leashes.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks monetary relief of no less than $1 million and such other and further relief to which she may be entitled. She is represented by Benton G. Ross and Douglas C. Monsour of The Monsour Law Firm in Longview.
Marion County District Court case number A-201950