In a harrowing case that underscores the potential dangers of negligent pet ownership, a Houston resident has filed a lawsuit following a vicious dog attack. Ashlyn Brown initiated legal proceedings against Nachmani Mix, LLC and Dorothy Sandelli in the District Court of Harris County, Texas on October 17, 2024. The lawsuit alleges that Brown was brutally attacked by a dog owned by the defendants, resulting in severe injuries.
According to the complaint filed by Ashlyn Brown, the incident occurred on August 3, 2023. Brown claims she was taking a walk when an unsupervised dog belonging to Nachmani Mix, LLC and Dorothy Sandelli attacked her without provocation. The attack reportedly lasted for approximately ten minutes before the dog was restrained. As per the petition, this resulted in significant physical harm and emotional distress for Brown. "Defendants knew or had reason to know that their dogs had dangerous propensities prior to the attack," states the complaint, highlighting alleged negligence on part of both defendants.
The plaintiff accuses Nachmani Mix, LLC and Dorothy Sandelli of several legal violations including strict liability for owning a dangerous animal and negligence in failing to control it. Additionally, Brown's legal team argues that there were breaches of local ordinances such as failing to secure a dog under Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.005(a) and allowing an unregistered dog to roam freely in violation of § 822.031. These failures allegedly contributed directly to the injuries sustained by Brown during the attack.
Brown is seeking over $1 million in damages from the defendants for medical expenses incurred due to her injuries, as well as future medical costs related to ongoing treatment needs. The suit also demands compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, loss of earnings capacity, disfigurement, and exemplary damages aimed at punishing gross negligence by the defendants. Furthermore, Brown requests a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Ashlyn Brown is Richard Ryder Haag from Attorney Brian White & Associates P.C., based in Houston. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-72359 with proceedings set in motion at Harris County's 133rd District Court under Judge Marilyn Burgess.