The case with the highest amount of damages awarded in a dog bite case in the United States was in 2014, in which a jury awarded $72 million to a 3-year-old boy who was attacked by his family’s pit bull in Texas.
In 2010, the plaintiff, a young boy, was visiting his grandparents' home when he was attacked by their pit bull. The dog attacked the boy's face, causing severe injuries, including the loss of one eye and extensive scarring. The boy underwent numerous surgeries and required ongoing medical treatment for his injuries. The family sued the dog's owner, arguing that the owner knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take appropriate precautions to prevent the attack.
The legal precedent that was used in this case was the doctrine of strict liability, which holds that a dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether or not the owner knew the dog was dangerous. This doctrine is based on the idea that dog owners have a responsibility to control their animals and prevent them from harming others. In addition to strict liability, the family also argued that the owner was negligent in failing to properly control the dog and prevent the attack.
During the trial, the family presented evidence that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and had previously bitten another person. The owner claimed that he was not aware of the dog's history of aggression, but the jury ultimately found that the owner was negligent in failing to properly control the dog and prevent the attack. The jury also found that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous and that the owner's negligence was a proximate cause of the boy's injuries.
The $72 million award in this case is one of the highest ever in a dog bite case, and serves as a reminder of the serious nature of dog attacks and the importance of responsible pet ownership. While the case involved a pit bull, it is important to note that any breed of dog can be dangerous and cause serious injuries. Dog owners have a responsibility to properly train and control their pets, and to take appropriate precautions to prevent them from harming others. The strict liability doctrine serves as an important tool to hold dog owners accountable for their pets' behavior and to promote public safety.