Dog bite victim steps forward regarding injuries after thirteen years

A St. Clair woman filed suit against a decedent’s estate over a dog bite incident that allegedly took place in 2002.

Melody Hendricks is suing the estate of Gary Manley in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Manley, now deceased, had owned property located at 200 Lucinda Dr. in Fairview Heights, the suit states. In 2002, Hendricks was a guest at Manley’s home. While sitting on the defendant’s sofa, the plaintiff was allegedly attacked and bitten by his dog.

Manley passed away on June 11, 2008. The plaintiff argues that at the time of the incident, Manley should have known of his dog’s vicious and dangerous nature; that he committed acts of negligence or omissions that led directly to Hendricks’ injuries.

Specifically, the plaintiff claims that the defendant allowed the dog to bite her; failed to restrain the animal, or secure the pet with a cord, rope, strap or chain in order to restrict it from the plaintiff’s personal space.

The suit states that the plaintiff was made sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled; and suffered injuries to her face, head, lips, limbs and general body. Citing pain, suffering, disfigurement and disability, as well as medical expenses, the plaintiff asks for a sum that fairly and reasonably compensates her for her past suffering.

Hendricks seeks judgment against the defendant’s estate in excess of $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. She is being represented in the case by Stephen Clark of Courtney, Clark & Mejias, Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 15-L-128