A local woman is seeking justice after a traumatic dog attack left her with severe injuries. Kimberly A. DeVengencie filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on April 29, 2024, against Allen Michael Jackson and Margaret Joyce Jackson.
According to the complaint, DeVengencie alleges that while walking past a property owned by the defendants at 225 Walter Street in Pittsburgh, she was viciously attacked by a Pitbull breed dog housed on the premises. The property was leased to Rhonda A. McCray, who kept the dog there. DeVengencie claims that both defendants were aware of the dog's dangerous propensities but failed to take necessary precautions to prevent such an incident.
The incident occurred when DeVengencie walked past the fenced property and the dog managed to push its face through a gap in the fence and attack her without any provocation. As a result of this attack, DeVengencie sustained multiple puncture wounds and contusions on her right forearm and wrist, along with other injuries including muscle spasms and sensory disruptions in her right upper extremity. The emotional toll has also been significant, leading to nervousness, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of mental anguish.
DeVengencie's lawsuit outlines several accusations against both Allen Michael Jackson and Margaret Joyce Jackson. She accuses them of negligence for allowing their tenant to house a notoriously dangerous dog despite knowing its violent tendencies. The complaint highlights their failure to maintain adequate safety measures on the premises and not evicting the tenant despite being aware of the potential danger posed by the dog.
In terms of legal relief, DeVengencie is seeking judgment for damages exceeding the jurisdictional limits of compulsory arbitration. She requests compensation for medical expenses incurred due to treatment and care following the attack as well as damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life’s pleasures, diminished earning capacity, permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Representing Kimberly A. DeVengencie is Alexander D. Stephenson from Woomer & Talarico law firm based in Pittsburgh.