Delta pilot sues after dog runs into his bicycle path

A senior airline pilot has filed suit against two O'Fallon men and a woman, alleging he sustained a broken clavicle and broken ribs after a dog ran in front of his bike.

Herbert A. Johnson, Jr. was riding east on Old Vincennes Trail in O'Fallon on Oct. 5 when a dog ran from Norman Hanglseben's home and into Johnson's path, according to the complaint filed March 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

The dog was owned by Jeffrey Hanglesben, Norman Hanglseben's son, and his girlfriend, Lisa Nowlin, Johnson claims.

"Plaintiff attempted to avoid hitting the dog but struck the dog with his bicycle," the suit states. "As a result of the impact and/or Mr. Johnson's attempts at avoiding the dog, he was propelled over the handle bars of the bicycle, and landed on his head and shoulder, causing extensive injuries to his shoulder and neck, including but not limited to a broken clavice and ribs."

Because of his injuries, Johnson was not able to work as a pilot with Delta Airline from Oct. 5 through Jan. 1 and has lost wages and retirement plan contributions, according to the complaint.

Johnson claims Norman and Jeffrey Hanglseben and Nowlin breached their duty to ensure the dog was secured.

In the six-count suit, Johnson is seeking a judgment in excess of $300,000, plus attorney's fees, costs and other relief the court deems appropriate.

He is represented by Paul J. Evans and Angela Davidson-Garlick of O'Fallon.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-0118.