Henkel v. Jordan

Foth, C.J.:

This is a “dog fright” as opposed to a “dog bite” case. The primary issue is whether defendants could properly be held liable for personal injuries suffered by plaintiff when, frightened by defendant’s dog, he lost control of and fell from a bicycle. A jury returned a substantial verdict for plaintiff. Defendants appeal, contending first and foremost that liability could only arise if their dog was vicious and they knew it, and the dog bit or otherwise came into physical contact with plaintiff. There being no evidence or contention of any such contact, they maintain their motion…