DOG BITE: Dr. Phil and Wife Sued by Friend for Dog Attack Injuries

February 4, 2011

Los Angeles – Popular self-help adviser Dr. Phil McGraw is being sued for personal injury by a family friend after their dog Maggie allegedly attacked and injured her at the McGraw’s residence.

According to Janet Harris, McGraw’s wife Robin invited her to their home to watch Dr. Phil’s Christmas Special when the accident happened. Harris was brutally mauled by Maggie, a Korean Jindo breed, without provocation or warning. Robin called Dr. Phil, who was not home that time, to tell him about what happened, but the doctor insisted his wife not to take Harris to the hospital as this may cause “adverse publicity.

The dog bite caused massive bleeding due to deep puncture wounds, cuts, and abrasions on Harris’ arm and hand. Her lawyers said that due to complications from the injuries, Harris had to seek emergency medical treatment, get home nursing care for an infectious disease called “pasteurella multocida,” spend seven days attached to an IV, and take prescribed steroids and antibiotics.

Harris also claimed that the couple was grossly negligent because they refused to provide compensation or assistance to aid with her illness. She is seeking compensation for general damages, medical treatment costs, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering.

However, a statement from Robin McGraw said that the injuries were originally minor, but Harris “inadvertently startled and snapped.” Dr. Phil’s wife added that she even got to stay at home and pet Maggie. The couple also paid for her vacation a few weeks after the attack and introduced her to their homeowner’s insurance agent in case she wants to file a claim, which she did not.

Koren Jindo is a breed of hunting dogs that can be territorial and are unpredictable around strangers. Maggie was adopted by the couple in 2009. The Oprah-made self-help guru has said in the past that Maggie can sometimes be overprotective. Janet Harris herself is a doctor practicing for two decades now, but due to a permanent hearing loss and right hand tremors that she acquired after the attack, she is unable to continue her business of a skin care clinic which requires steady hands.