November 11, 2008 – Minneapolis Settles Dog-Attack Lawsuit

Minneapolis has agreed to settle a suit brought by a woman who was almost killed by a friend’s dogs in an attack witnessed by her young daughters.

Paula Ybarra’s lawsuit claimed the city was liable because Thomas Mohrbacker’s dogs had been left in his possession after being declared dangerous. The city council approved a $367,000 payment Friday.

Ybarra’s lawsuit against Mohrbacker is still pending.

The attack occurred when Ybarra was visiting Mohrbacker with her daughters, Adriana, 9, and Cassandra, 4. A 150-pound bulldog knocked Cassandra over, and then that dog and a 60-pound pit bull attacked her, biting her in the throat, when she bent down to pick the girl up.

In court papers filed in May, Ybarra said her medical bills totaled $225,000. She said she still had trouble breathing and was at high risk of stroke as a result of her injuries.