FRESNO – Surviving family members have filed suit against the owners of dogs they allege contributed to the death of a Fresno man.
Terri Simonian, Robert M. Simonian and Tammie Riley, surviving spouse, son and daughter of decedent Robert L. Simonian, filed a complaint on May 15 in the Fresno County Superior Court against Harold Matthews, Carolyn Dee Matthews, William Matthews, James Matthews, Deanna Matthews-Koop, Brianne Koop and Does 1-20 alleging wrongful death and negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on July 5, 2016, decedent Robert L. Simonian's body was located and retrieved from a canal with signs of a vicious and violent attack by dogs. The suit states the cause of his death was listed as drowning but that wounds consistent with large animal bite marks on the decedent contributed to the death.
The suit states Harold Matthews has been identified as the owner of four dogs that attacked the decedent.
The plaintiffs holds Harold Matthews, Carolyn Matthews, William Matthews, James Matthews, Deanna Matthews-Koop, Brianne Koop and Does 1-20 responsible because the defendants allegedly made no attempts to restrain the dogs and secure their property.
The plaintiffs seek special, general, punitive and exemplary damages in an amount to be determined at trial and such other just and proper relief. They are represented by Edward L. Fanucchi and David M. Moeck of Quinlan, Kershaw & Fanucchi LLP in Fresno.
Fresno County Superior Court case number 17CECG01587