Real estate agent attacked by dogs: Failure to keep premises safe for invitees: Knee and back injuries: Abrasions: Verdict

Law Reporter, Apr 2003

Moisio v. Stegmeier, Wash., Pierce County Super. Ct., No. 00-2-09620-3, July 24, 2002.

Moisio, a 63-year-old real estate agent, was showing a property when the property owner's two dogs attacked her. Moisio fell, causing bruises and abrasions to her chest and both knees, palms, and wrists. She suffered connective tissue injuries to her back and neck. As a result, Moisio's pre-existing degenerative joint disease was rendered symptomatic. She has undergone surgeries to her lower back and both knees, and is expected to require bilateral knee replacements in the future. She also developed a neurogenic bladder. Her past medical expenses totaled $51,000, and her future medical expenses are estimated at $80,000. Moisio, who had just begun working as a real estate agent, was unable to engage in normal activities for over two years.

Moisio sued the property owner and manager, alleging failure to (1) keep the premises safe for invitees and (2) control the dogs.

A jury awarded about $1.35 million.

Plaintiff's experts were Jeffrey Nacht, orthopedic surgery, Richard Wohns, neurosurgery, and Steven Litsky, rehabilitation, all of Tacoma, Wash.; and Dennis Rochier, general medicine, Federal Way, Wash.

Plaintiff's Counsel

Daniel iL Kyler, Tacoma, Wash.

Documents in this case are available through the Court Document Sets section in the back of this issue, courtesy of Mr. Kyler. Also, a Court Document Set by Topic on dog attacks is available in the back of this issue.