A Harris County resident is seeking justice after a brutal dog attack left her with serious injuries. Victoria Pequignot filed a complaint against Jason Hitt in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on June 20, 2024.
According to the court documents, Pequignot was walking to a neighbor's house on May 2, 2024, when she was suddenly attacked and mauled by two dogs that were not on leashes. The plaintiff asserts that Jason Hitt owned or possessed the dogs responsible for the attack. "The acts and omissions of Defendant were the direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff's serious injuries and damages," states the complaint.
Pequignot's petition outlines several accusations against Hitt. She claims that the dogs had dangerous propensities abnormal to their class, including ferocity and territorial aggression, which Hitt knew or should have known about. The plaintiff further accuses Hitt of negligent handling of animals by failing to restrain or supervise the dogs properly. Specific breaches include failing to keep the dogs on leashes, allowing them outside without restraint, and not securing the yard to prevent access to public sidewalks.
The lawsuit also includes counts of gross negligence and negligence per se. Pequignot argues that Hitt's actions involved an extreme degree of risk and that he proceeded with conscious indifference to her safety. Additionally, she claims that Hitt violated specific sections of the Texas Health And Safety Code regarding dangerous dogs, which contributed directly to her injuries.
Pequignot seeks monetary relief not exceeding $250,000 for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, lost wages, loss of consortium, property damage, and other related costs. She also requests exemplary damages under Sections 41.001 et seq. of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code due to Hitt's gross negligence.
Representing Victoria Pequignot are attorneys Natalie Mindiola (SBN: 24106314) and Natalie A. Sanchez (SBN: 24130247) from Premier Legal Group in Houston. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-38888 in the 127th Judicial District Court.