Lexington, Kentucky, November 21, 2025
A Fayette County jury has awarded $5.3 million to Sarah Bogusewski after a dog attack at a property owned by EasyKnock. The company was found 99% liable. This case highlights the significant financial consequences for property owners in dog attack incidents.
Lexington Woman Awarded $5 Million in Dog Bite Lawsuit
Lexington, Kentucky – A Fayette County jury has awarded $5.3 million to a woman who was attacked by dogs at a property owned by real estate company EasyKnock. The jury found the company 99% responsible for the incident, according to court documents.
The woman, identified as Sarah Bogusewski, was awarded $320,776.68 in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages against EasyKnock, Inc. and EK Real Estate Fund I, LLC following a civil trial that concluded recently. The jury determined that EasyKnock violated its duty as a landlord to take reasonable steps to prevent the dog attack, finding that the company knew or should have known of the dogs’ vicious tendencies and had control over the area when the attack occurred.
Two other defendants in the case, James M. Pelfrey and Elijah D. Stubblefield, were also found negligent as owners of the dogs. However, the jury assigned only 1% of the fault to Pelfrey. The jury concluded that Pelfrey and Stubblefield failed to maintain the premises in a safe manner for the surrounding public and failed to exercise ordinary care regarding the dogs.
EasyKnock operates as a real estate investment company that purchases homes and leases them back to the original owners. The company’s business model involves buying properties and then renting them to the former homeowners, according to the documents.
This case highlights the significant financial implications for property owners found liable in dog attack incidents. Similar cases have resulted in substantial settlements, such as a $5.6 million award in Florida in 2023 and a $940,000 verdict in Illinois in 2017. These cases underscore the importance of property owners taking proactive measures to prevent dog attacks and the potential legal and financial consequences of failing to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the outcome of the dog bite lawsuit in Lexington, Kentucky?
A Fayette County jury awarded $5.3 million to Sarah Bogusewski, who was attacked by dogs at a property owned by EasyKnock. The jury found EasyKnock 99% responsible for the incident.
What damages were awarded to Sarah Bogusewski?
Sarah Bogusewski was awarded $320,776.68 in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages against EasyKnock, Inc. and EK Real Estate Fund I, LLC.
Who else was found negligent in this case?
James M. Pelfrey and Elijah D. Stubblefield, the owners of the dogs, were also found negligent. However, the jury assigned only 1% of the fault to Pelfrey.
What is EasyKnock’s business model?
EasyKnock operates as a real estate investment company that purchases homes and leases them back to original owners, renting properties to former homeowners.
Have there been similar cases with significant settlements?
Yes, similar cases have resulted in substantial settlements, such as a $5.6 million award in Florida in 2023 and a $940,000 verdict in Illinois in 2017, highlighting the financial implications for property owners found liable in dog attack incidents.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Defendants | EasyKnock, Inc., EK Real Estate Fund I, LLC, James M. Pelfrey, Elijah D. Stubblefield |
| Compensatory Damages | $320,776.68 |
| Punitive Damages | $5 million |
| Percentage of Fault Assigned to EasyKnock | 99% |
| Percentage of Fault Assigned to Pelfrey | 1% |
| Business Model of EasyKnock | Purchases homes and leases them back to original owners |
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