A jury in Rusk County, Texas has returned a seven million dollar verdict against the owners of two dogs, one Pit Bull mix and one American bull dog that mauled to death a 10 year old boy on June 15, 2009. Following a weeklong trial in the courtroom in Henderson, Texas, the jury found that the dog owners were negligent and strictly liable for the actions of their two dangerous dogs. These dogs were abnormally dangerous and the pet owners should be strictly liable for the death of Justin.
Witnesses testified that during the summer of 2009, Justin Clinton was a happy and active country boy in Texas. He had taken his skateboard from home to go to his friend's house to play, just as he had done many times before. However, on this day the two dogs viciously attacked Justin and mauled him to death behind a house. A witness testified that she saw the dogs attacking the boy from across the street at the local school and literally ran to the young boys rescue. She beat the dogs with Justin's skateboard to get them back into their fenced yard area and administered CPR but was not able to stop the bleeding and save Justin's life.
This is an absolutely horrible story. I feel so bad for this young boy and his family. It is great that the case was tried to a jury, who clearly sent a message to the dog owners. Nothing will bring back Justin, but hopefully this will bring awareness to all dog owners to keep their dogs under control. Almost all dog attack or dog bite claims are made directly against the dog owner, who will be an individual. Just about every homeowner in Texas has homeowner's insurance to cover them in case they are negligent. I am glad the family got justice for this wrongful death. The owner of these dogs should have been aware that their dogs were aggressive and vicious.
