A dog attack incident has escalated into a legal battle, as a Houston resident files a lawsuit seeking justice for injuries sustained. On February 26, 2025, Leigh Ann Maxwell filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas against Ryo Haines and Emilie Haines. The case highlights the dangers posed by negligent pet ownership and the serious consequences that can ensue.
According to the complaint, on March 3, 2023, Maxwell attempted to return a loose dog belonging to the defendants back to their property at 11315 S. County Club Green Drive in Tomball, Texas. As she did so, the dog pulled on its leash causing her to fall and sustain severe injuries including a torn hip. Maxwell accuses Ryo and Emilie Haines of failing to warn her about the dog's "vicious and dangerous propensities" which they allegedly knew or should have known about. She claims that this negligence led directly to her injuries and subsequent medical treatment.
Maxwell's lawsuit outlines several accusations against the defendants: failure to confine or properly restrain their dog despite its known aggressive behavior; failure to remove it from their premises; inadequate control over the animal; lack of proper training for handling such behaviors; and neglecting to warn others about keeping a dangerous animal on their property. These actions are cited as violations of both general negligence principles and specific provisions under Texas law, including Tex. Health & Safety Code §822 – The Dangerous Dog Act.
The plaintiff is seeking monetary relief ranging from $250,000 up to $1 million for damages incurred due to physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, impairment, lost wages as well as past and future medical expenses resulting from this incident. Additionally, she requests pre-judgment interest along with post-judgment interest if applicable under state laws.
Represented by attorney David Swick from Swick Law PLLC based in Houston Texas - who also served notice via email through an automated certificate system - Maxwell hopes that justice will be served not only through financial compensation but also by holding pet owners accountable for ensuring public safety around potentially dangerous animals like those involved here today.
The case is being heard before Judge Adiliani Solis at Harris County's 129th Judicial District Court under Case ID: 2025-13178 where all parties involved await further proceedings regarding these serious allegations brought forth against them now facing scrutiny within our legal system today.