PPA v. Paul Didden (2010)

MEMORANDUM OF DECISION

Following a hearing in damages (after the defendant was defaulted for failure to appear) the Court finds as follows.

The plaintiff, then eleven years old, was attacked by the defendant's dog.   The victim was not teasing or tormenting the dog, nor was he trespassing.

He suffered a torn upper lip and was treated at Connecticut Children's Hospital.   He required twenty-seven stitches from his lip to his nose, and had to take various pain-killer medications, including Oxycodone.   He was left with a serious disfiguring scar which required medical surgery about one year later.   He remains with permanent scarring which, while not greatly disfiguring, is readily noticeable.   He may require further revision surgery in the future to ameliorate scar tissue.

Damages are awarded as follows:

A. Economic Damages (past and future) $12,000.00

B. Noneconomic Damages 66,000.00

Total Judgment $78,000.00

The plaintiff may submit a bill of costs.   Postjudgment interest shall accrue at 10% per annum.

Klaczak, J.T.R.

Klaczak, Lawrence C., J.T.R.