Perkasie, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/29/2019 -- On August 28, 2019, Lehigh Valley dog attack lawyer, Thomas J. Newell, filed a dog bite lawsuit in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas versus the owners of an adult Rottweiler. In Svanda v. Soto, C-48-CV-2019-7945, Attorney Newell pled a 7 Count, 24 page Complaint which averred a long history of violation by the Defendants of both the PA Dog Law and The Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act.
September 7, 2017 Rottweiler Attack
The legal pleading alleges that a Bethlehem, PA woman was walking her tiny Shih Tzu mix on a leash at the intersection of 11th Street and Turner Street when the Defendants' large adult Rottweiler ran off of its property without a leash, muzzle or any human supervision. The Rottweiler launched an unprovoked attack causing numerous injuries to both the woman and her family pet. She was bitten on both hands resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement. She also sustained injuries to her neck and back. Her mental health specialist diagnosed the woman as suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Prior Violations of the PA Dog Law
The Bethlehem dog bite attorney detailed numerous allegations of prior acts of aggressive behavior/vicious propensities by this Rottweiler. In the spring of 2017, the Rottweiler got loose and ran off of its property without a leash, muzzle or human control. It pursued a young woman and her dog on Turner Street in Bethlehem. The attack was only stopped when Minor-Defendant, Xavier Soto, retrieved the Rottweiler. An identical situation took place in March of 2017 when the Rottweiler left the Sotos' home and pursued an individual standing on a neighbor's driveway at 2012 11th Street in Bethlehem.
Criminal Convictions
Defendant Carlos Soto was charged by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with multiple violations of the PA Dog Law:
* Section 305 - Failure to Confine
* Section 502-A - Harboring a Dangerous Dog
* Section 502(d) - Failing to Muzzle a Dangerous Dog
He was also cited for violating The Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act by failing to have the Rottweiler current with its rabies vaccination.
On October 17, 2017, Defendant Carlos Soto was found guilty by Magisterial District Justice Patricia Broscius of all charges. He appealed the conviction to the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. On February 12, 2018, a trial de novo was held and the Defendant was again convicted on all counts.
Lehigh Valley Dog Bite Lawyer
Thomas J. Newell, Esquire has been fighting for PA personal injury victims since 1981. He has had the honor of representing dozens of Lehigh County and Northampton County area dog attack victims. Some notable court approved settlements include:
* $ 215,606.77 G.B., a minor v. Scott
Northampton County #48-CV-2017-5676
* $ 201,000.00 F.M., a minor v. Shakespeare
Berks County #84401
* $ 132,000.00 K.J., a minor v. Jacob
Lehigh County #2012-1205
Information regarding more than 80 of Attorney Newell's dog attack settlement awards can be found at PADogAttackLawyer.com. Call the PA dog bite lawyer today for a free home consultation at 800-980-4842.