Bull Mastiff
A boy who was mauled after a large dog attacked him has filed suit against the owners of the dog.
Larry Goodpasture has filed suit on behalf of his son, Dustin Goodpasture, claiming a bull mastiff owned by James and Dolly Churchich attacked Dustin.
Dustin was riding his bicycle down the street on May 12, 2007, in front of 16405 Timberlane in Brighton when the dog "viciously attacked, bit and otherwise mauled the minor Plaintiff, Dustin Goodpasture, causing grievous bodily injuries to his chest, arm, wrist, and hand including, but not limited to, broken bones, deep tissue lacerations and nerve damage," according to the complaint filed Sept. 19.
Dustin was not provoking the dog, the suit states.
Dustin claims he has suffered grievous bodily injuries, great physical pain, mental anguish, impairment from the enjoyment of everyday life activities, disability and disfigurement.
He also claims he has spent a substantial amount on medical costs.
The dog had bitten people in the past, so the Churchichs were negligent because they continued to harbor the dog, even though they knew of its history and dangerous propensities, the suit states.
They also failed to monitor their dog sufficiently; failed to cage, leash or restrain the dog; allowed the dog to roam their property and failed to take adequate measures to prevent the dog from leaving the property and attacking others, according to the complaint.
In the three-count suit, Dustin is seeking compensatory damages in excess of $150,000, plus costs.
Russell Meyer, Amy M. Meyer and J. Phillip Steinman of Meyer Law Firm in Alton will be representing him.