Chilliwack cyclist reaches settlement
A Chilliwack, BC cyclist was knocked off his bike by a doberman on Jan. 1st, 2012 according to an article published by the Province on Aug. 20th. Earlier this month a settlement was reached and the victim was awarded $39,000 in damages.
The cyclist, Leon Gallant, 61 was riding past the home of Peter and Trudy Slootweg when an unleashed and unmuzzled 89-lb doberman chased after him. He tried to flee and pedal away. His efforts were to no avail as the dog eventually struck him. The dog made contact with the rear wheel of the bike causing Gallant to crash heavily, breaking his clavicle and two ribs.
Peter and Trudy Slootweg discovered that their electric fence was not functioning on the date of the accident. Gallant subsequently sued the Slootwegs for negligence. In the judge’s final verdict he found the defendants guilty of negligence as the electronic fence was not a reliable means to restrain the dog because unlike a regular fence it is virtually impossible to determine at a glance that the fence is in disrepair.
Gallant was awarded $25,000 for pain and suffering, $13,068 for his lost wages and further $1,050 for his damaged bicycle.
