A West Virginian woman who visited the U.S. Capitol two years ago to meet with a representative — and who was bitten by a staffer’s dog, named Who Dey, while waiting — has now launched a lawsuit against the House of Representatives for the pain and suffering she’s since experienced.
The suit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., by Elizabeth Crawford, claims she was invited to meet with Rep. Tom McClintock in January 2013 and while waiting for her appointment, dropped her pen on the floor, the Charleston Daily Mail reported.
She bent to pick it up — and that’s when Who Dey, a staffer’s dog, bit her finger. The court filing also said the dog didn’t have an up-to-date rabies shot, the newspaper reported.
The lawsuit says Ms. Crawford since suffered “severe and permanent bodily injuries and mental anguish: She has incurred medical expenses attempting to cure herself of such injuries and her normal, social and recreational activities have been curtailed,” the newspaper reported. But the filing doesn’t detail her alleged injuries and suffering, or explain specifics.
Ms. Crawford’s attorney, Benjamin Pelton, said the dog drew blood and caused nerve damage. He also said the $26,000 of the requested $200,000 was for doctor bills and the other $174,000, for “pain and suffering,” the Charleston Daily Mail reported.
The lawsuit also names Chris Tudo, the dog’s owner and Mr. McClintock’s staffer, and accuses him of “negligence” and for creating “an unsafe and hazardous condition” by allegedly allowing Who Dey to roam free.
Mr. McClintock’s office did not respond to the Charleston Daily Mail with a statement. The newspaper reported that the House Office of General Counsel didn’t provide comment, either.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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