A volunteer at an animal shelter in California has been awarded $6.8 million after being mauled by a dog, nearly having her arm ripped off.
The volunteer, identified as Jane Doe, was attacked by a pit bull at the animal shelter in October 2018. The dog had been brought to the shelter by its owner, who had surrendered it due to its aggressive behavior.
Doe was attempting to restrain the dog when it suddenly attacked her, biting her arm and dragging her across the floor. Doe suffered severe injuries, including a broken arm, a torn bicep, and nerve damage. She was hospitalized for several days and underwent multiple surgeries.
The attack left Doe with permanent physical and emotional scars. She was unable to return to her job as a veterinary technician and was forced to take a lower-paying job.
Doe filed a lawsuit against the animal shelter, alleging that they had failed to properly assess the dog’s behavior before allowing it to be adopted. The shelter argued that they had followed all safety protocols and that Doe had assumed the risk of working with animals.
However, a jury found in favor of Doe and awarded her $6.8 million in damages. The jury found that the animal shelter had been negligent in its handling of the dog and that Doe had suffered significant physical and emotional harm as a result of the attack.
The award is one of the largest ever given in a case involving an animal attack. It is a reminder of the importance of taking proper safety precautions when working with animals, and of the potential consequences of failing to do so.