There is no doubt that animals play an important role in the lives of many people in Wisconsin and across the country. For some, they can even provide them the support that many people need to safely and comfortably function each day. Unfortunately, a recently filed lawsuit related to a dog bite brings attention to the potential harm some some animals are capable of causing.
The incident that led to the lawsuit happened on a Delta Air Lines flight in 2017 and involved an emotional-support dog; both the airline and the dog’s owners are named as defendants in the case. The plaintiff claims that when he took his window seat, the dog and his owner were already sitting in the middle seat. He further claims that the dog was sitting in the owner’s lap, a violation of an airline policy that requires large emotional-support animals sit on the floor.
Though the dog owner reportedly assured the victim that the dog would not bite twice, the dog is said to have lunged at the victim, pinning him against the window and biting his face several times. Though the alleged assault was briefly halted, the plaintiff says that the dog broke free and attacked his face again. He required 28 stitches due to lacerations to his face, and he continues to suffer from lack of sensation. Though Delta declined to comment on the specifics of the case, a representative claims that additional measures have been put into place, including requiring documentation of training and banning certain animals based on their breed and age.
Dog bite injuries often have far-reaching consequences. In addition to physical injuries, victims often suffer from emotional trauma for the rest of their lives. Often, they feel that they have no other option but to take legal action as the man in this case has done. There are professionals in Wisconsin who are able to help victims of such attacks fully understand their legal options and their potential outcomes.
