A Harris County resident has filed a lawsuit against his neighbor, alleging negligence after a dog chase led to personal injury. The complaint was filed by Tommy Schmuck on June 24, 2024, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against Michael Gill.
According to the court documents, the incident occurred on June 24, 2024. Tommy Schmuck was walking in his neighborhood when Michael Gill's dog, which was not on a leash, began chasing him. In an attempt to escape the dog, Schmuck twisted his ankle and sustained injuries that required medical attention. The plaintiff argues that Gill's failure to control his dog constitutes negligence and is seeking damages for the injuries and associated costs incurred due to this incident.
The lawsuit claims that Michael Gill had a legal duty to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances but failed to meet this standard of care. Specifically, it states: "Defendant owed Plaintiff a legal duty to act as a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances. Defendant failed to meet the requisite standard of care by committing various acts and omissions of negligence." These acts are cited as the proximate cause of Schmuck's injuries.
Schmuck is seeking monetary relief ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000 for actual damages (both economic and non-economic), exemplary damages meant to punish the defendant for gross negligence if proven, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, court costs, and any other relief deemed just by the court. Additionally, Schmuck has requested a jury trial for this case.
Representing Tommy Schmuck are attorneys Jose Luis Orihuela and Paige E. Brown from Orihuela & Associates PLLC. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-39915 and will be heard in the 215th Judicial District Court with Judge Monica Jackson presiding.