Dog attacks lead to suits in Cook court

Two suits involving suburban dog attacks were filed in Cook County Circuit Court Wednesday.

Two Wheeling men were named in a suit that claims their dog attacked a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier in October.

The suit, filed by 55-year-old Milo Shelton of Bellwood, says he was attacked Oct. 2 by a dog at the residence of John Bowden and Lee Kent in the 400 block of Bernice Court in Wheeling. Both were named as defendants.

Milton claimed internal and external injuries and cited damages in excess of $50,000.

According to Wheeling attorney Steven Stein, who filed the suit, the dog, a pit bull, leapt a fence at the residence and attacked Shelton. He suffered "terrible injuries to his hand," including nerve damage, and was out of work for more than three months, although he has recently returned to duty following therapy.

Eden Siegler, of Vernon Hills, filed a suit on behalf of her 10-year-old daughter over a dog attack at a Super Bowl party last year. The suit named Debra and James Elliott of Sussex Circle in Vernon Hills as defendants over an attack by their dog, Dozer. According to Chicago attorney Michael Kosner, who filed the suit, the dog suddenly bit the girl and "almost tore her lip off." The wound, he said, took 30 stitches and left "permanent scars." The suit also seeks in excess of $50,000 in damages. Kosner said the couple had offered $30,000 to settle, but Siegler declined.

Bowden, Kent and the Elliotts could not be reached for comment.