Dr. Phil Dog Bite Case Goes to Court
Family friends says she sustained serious injuries after being bitten by TV host's dog.
The TV talk show host is scheduled to give a deposition relating to a dog bite injury claim filed against him by a family friend.
According to court documents, Janet Harris claims she suffered severe personal and professional hardships after being bitten by Dr. Phil's Korean Jindo Maggie in December 2009. Ms. Harris, an elite Beverly Hills skin care specialist, was allegedly visiting the TV personality's Santa Monica home when the dog bit her on the hand in an unprovoked attack. She is seeking an unspecified amount of damages for her medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Ms. Harris says that after the attack, she had to get a Tetanus shot and that she also had to take antibiotics which resulted in permanent hearing loss. Ms. Harris also claims that an infectious disease specialist diagnosed her with pastuerella multocida, a disease caused by an animal bite that can be fatal if left untreated.
Ms. Harris claims in the lawsuit that her injuries have rendered her unable to work. She also alleges that Dr. Phil initially tried to dissuade her from seeking medical treatment to avoid any negative publicity.
In March 2011, Dr. Phil's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that Ms. Harris had signed a binding arbitration agreement which required her to settle out of court. The renowned psychologist is scheduled to appear in court to answer questions about the incident next month.
This case is just one example of how a dog bite can have a life-altering impact for the victim. While fortunately Ms. Harris's injuries were not critical, they did require extensive medical care and have significantly changed her quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a dog bite, you need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case. The law firm of Nadrich & Cohen LLP is available to assist dog bite victims in the Santa Monica area and throughout California in proving their personal injury claim.
Contact our Injury Hotline at 1-800-718-4658 to speak with one of our dog bite injury experts. Your initial case evaluation is free and there is never a fee unless we recover a judgment on your behalf. Don't let the pain of a dog bite ruin your life. Call Nadrich & Cohen today to get the experienced legal help you need to prove your dog bite injury case.
