Deborah Chapman v. Michael Allen et al

Case Background

On August 2, 2023, Deborah Chapman filed a personal injury lawsuit against Michael and Dollye Allen alleging negligence after their dog escaped their home and charged into the Plaintiff, knocking her down and fracturing her knee. The case was filed in Maryland Circuit Court, Baltimore County. Judge Nancy Purpura presided over the case. [Case number: C-03-CV-23-003172]

Cause

On September 5, 2022, Plaintiff Deborah Chapman was walking her dog near Defendant Michael Allen’s home when Allen’s 80-pound dog charged at her after escaping from a post in the yard. The dog knocked Chapman to the ground, resulting in severe injuries.

Injury

Chapman fractured her knee during the incident. A family member quickly took her to the emergency room. There, the Plaintiff was diagnosed with a minimally displaced tibial plateau fracture which is a type of knee fracture that typically involves a small displacement of the bone. Approximately two months later, she visited an orthopedic surgeon for a follow-up. Following that appointment, she began physical therapy to aid her recovery. Chapman completed her treatment in February 2023.

Damages

Chapman sought compensation for past and future noneconomic damages. Her attorney requested the jury to award her $600,000.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Deborah Chapman
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Dustin Furman
  • Defendant(s): Michael Allen | Dollye Allen
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): R. Michael Fecik

Claims

Chapman stated that the dog charged at her, resulting in a fractured knee and knocking her to the ground. She also claimed that her ongoing knee pain hindered her ability to garden and bike as she had previously.

Defense

Allen acknowledged negligence but argued that his dog did not strike Chapman. He claimed he chased the dog and stopped it from reaching her. According to Allen, Chapman fell because her legs became tangled in her own dog’s leash. He also argued that her fracture happened when her knee hit the ground. Additionally, the defense pointed out that Chapman’s last treatment occurred over a year before the trial. They suggested that an appropriate award would be $100,000.

Jury Verdict

On August 28, 2024, the jury awarded Chapman a $200,000 verdict for the damages sustained in this personal injury lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available upon request