A shocking incident involving a loose dog has led to a lawsuit that could have significant repercussions for pet owners. On June 19, 2024, Susan Brochet filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County against Stacey Yingling, alleging negligence and premises liability.
According to the complaint, Brochet was lawfully present near Yingling's property on July 6, 2022, when she was attacked by Yingling's dog. The plaintiff claims that the defendant failed to secure her dog properly, resulting in severe injuries. "At all times material hereto, Defendant had the duty to keep her dog...in a secure enclosure," states the complaint. Brochet asserts that Yingling's negligence directly caused her injuries, which include damage to her neck, back, shoulders, chest, body, head, knees, and extremities.
The lawsuit details multiple instances of alleged negligence on Yingling's part. These include failing to attend to or supervise the dog adequately and not warning Brochet about the dog's vicious tendencies. The complaint also accuses Yingling of violating local ordinances and property maintenance codes. As a result of these failures, Brochet suffered severe pain and mental anguish and incurred significant medical expenses. She is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $50,000.
Represented by Joel J. Kofsky from The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky in Philadelphia, Brochet is determined to hold Yingling accountable for what she describes as a preventable incident caused by carelessness. The case will be heard by judges from the Court of Common Pleas in Delaware County under Case ID: June Term 2024.