A negligence lawsuit alleges a Fairview Heights woman’s dog bit a child and she refused to cooperate with authorities, forcing the child to undergo rabies treatments.
Plaintiffs Aidan and James Piper filed the lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Cheryl D. Stump, citing negligence in violation of the Illinois Animal Control Act.
According to the lawsuit, on June 1, 2022, Aidan (who was a minor at the time) and his friends were walking past the Stump’s property in Fairview Heights. The plaintiffs claim the defendant’s dog named “Chopper” suddenly and without provocation ran from the property and allegedly attacked Aidan. Chopper was unleashed and unsupervised at the time.
Aidan claims he was bit on the calf and authorities requested that Stump provide vaccination paperwork due to concerns of rabies. Stump was initially unable to provide vaccination documentation and refused to transfer Chopper to Animal Control for quarantine and observation.
When told that Aidan would have to undergo rabies shots and that she would receive a citation, Stump provided vaccination paperwork. She originally claimed vaccination was from a Missouri veterinarian listed with a registered veterinary clinic, but she later admitted that she had actually gotten Chopper vaccinated out of the back of a station wagon.
Stump continued to refuse to have chopper transferred to Animal Control for observation, which caused Aidan to have to undergo preventative rabies treatment, costing the plaintiffs more than $12,500 and three days of paid personal time to take Aidan to the hospital.
The plaintiffs claim that as a result of Stump’s negligence, Aidan has sustained injuries which have caused him to experience pain, suffering, mental anguish. They also claim they incurred medical costs and other damages.
The lawsuit states that under the Illinois Control Act, the owner of a dog is liable for injuries caused by the animal.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, attorney’s fees, interest and any other relief the court deems proper.
This article was first published in Madison Record.
