Kelli Elizabeth Hennessy has filed a lawsuit against three individuals following a traumatic dog attack that left her with severe injuries. The complaint was lodged by Hennessy in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on October 10, 2025, targeting Marleni Vargas, Juan Vargas, and Rosa Maria Vargas as defendants.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on December 9, 2023, when Hennessy was delivering a package to the defendants’ residence at 119 Everton Street in Houston. During this delivery, she was unexpectedly attacked by a German Shepherd owned by the defendants. The attack resulted in significant injuries to Hennessy’s hand, necessitating medical treatment including sutures. The plaintiff asserts that she was an invitee on the property for business purposes and thus deserved protection from harm. She accuses the defendants of failing to properly train or restrain their aggressive dog despite being aware of its dangerous propensities. Notably, this same dog had previously attacked another delivery driver under similar circumstances on August 23, 2023.
Hennessy’s lawsuit alleges negligence and gross negligence on the part of the defendants for not taking necessary precautions to prevent such attacks. She argues that they violated local animal control laws and failed in their duty of care by not supervising or controlling their pet adequately. As a result of these alleged breaches, Hennessy claims she suffered physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of earning capacity.
In seeking justice through the court system, Hennessy is requesting compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This includes medical expenses incurred due to her injuries as well as future costs related to ongoing physical impairment and emotional distress. Furthermore, she seeks exemplary damages due to what she describes as gross negligence by the defendants who were aware of the risk posed by their unrestrained dog but chose to ignore it.
Representing Kelli Elizabeth Hennessy in this legal battle are attorneys Joe Zaid and Lawrence Sims from Joe I. Zaid & Associates based in Pasadena, Texas. The case is filed under Cause No. 2025-77581 in the 133rd Judicial District Court with Judge Marilyn Burgess serving as District Clerk for Harris County.
Source: 202577581_Kelli_Elizabeth_v_Marleni_Vargas_Original_Petition_Harris_County_Texas.pdf
