$20+ Million Settlement for Jogger Injured by Dog

In 2022, two aggressive dogs ran from a nearby yard in an Auburn neighborhood and attacked a 38-year old jogger. Neighbors attempting to intervene could not stop the vicious attack. First responders rushed the victim to Harborview Medical Center where she underwent more than 20 surgeries over a two-year period to repair severe lacerations and broken bones across her entire body.

After taking on the case, Melanie learned the attack followed years of documented complaints from local residents. Between 2018 and 2022, neighbors placed over 75 calls to county agencies to report dangerous dogs, illegal activity, and excessive debris on the property. Despite multiple impoundments and an explicit removal order issued for at least one of the dogs involved in the attack, county agencies released the aggressive animals back to the residence.

The court issued a ruling establishing that the county owed a legal duty to protect the public from dangerous animals known to reside on such problem properties. During litigation, the legal team also revealed that county officials had destroyed the remains of both dogs and could not locate the primary investigative report documenting evidence from the attack.

In addition to King County’s $21.5 million payout, the property owner agreed to pay her homeowner’s insurance policy limits and sell the property, paving the way for the site to be cleaned up and restored to the neighborhood.

In a statement following the resolution, the victim’s family expressed gratitude to the emergency responders and brave neighbors who saved her life, sharing hope that the case compels the county to act with greater urgency when faced with public safety threats. If you believe that you were injured as a result of government neglect, please contact us for a free consultation.

Melanie handled this matter with her former colleagues at Stritmatter Law.