Army Helicopter Pilot Suffers Catastrophic Injuries After Loose Dog Attack Led To Scooter Crash

GUYTON, Ga.— After a loose dog with a tendency to chase vehicles caused an army helicopter pilot to crash his scooter resulting in severe injury, attorney David Zagoria filed a lawsuit on behalf of Ryan De Leon against the couple who failed to keep their dog under control on Ruby Trail. 

De Leon was riding his scooter along Ruby Trail on November 29, 2025 when a resident couple’s dog known as Bruiser was running loose and unrestrained. The dog allegedly charged toward De Leon, causing him to crash into a neighbor’s mailbox and tear tendons in his bicep. The neighbor found De Leon lying in a ditch and assisted him in calling his wife who took her husband to the emergency room where he had to undergo surgery, according to the incident report. 

In addition to his physical injuries, De Leon incurred $41,000 in medical expenses and other financial losses. Alongside financial strain, De Leon continues to suffer permanent scarring, physical pain, emotional distress and was left unable to participate in activities he previously enjoyed and was able to do with his healthy body. 

“Even in the face of this devastating injury and the financial and emotional stress this incident burdened his life with, Ryan still went back into service early to support his team,” Zagoria said.

The lawsuit alleges the dog owners knew Bruiser had dangerous tendencies, a natural inclination to chase vehicles and even injured another person prior to the attack.

The couple allowed Bruiser to roam loose in violation of Georgia law and Effingham County’s ordinance requiring owners to keep dogs under control, according to the lawsuit.

Alongside De Leon, his wife was added to the complaint due to the impact De Leon’s injuries had on their marriage.

About Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys

Based in Atlanta, the lawyers of Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of injury victims. Because our attorneys are former criminal prosecutors, we have a comprehensive knowledge of litigation. Armed with this experience, we aggressively advocate for our clients at the negotiating table and in court. Our experience is only eclipsed by our unrelenting advocacy. We will never back down in our pursuit of the best possible outcome for our clients.