CLEARWATER — A Tampa woman is suing St. Petersburg Beach dog owners, alleging negligence and strict liability in their pet's attack on the plaintiff.
Vallone Newton filed a complaint May 3 in Pinellas Circuit Court against Robert Fiore and Laurie Fiore, alleging that they failed to use due care to maintain its premises in a safe condition.
According to the complaint, on July 3, 2017, Newton was working as house manager at the defendants' home, 72 W. Vina Del Mar Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach. The suit says the Fiores failed to restrain a female basset hound from biting Newton. leading to serious injuries and resulting pain and suffering, physical impairment, permanent scarring, mental anguish, inconvenience, medical expenses, aggravation of a previous existing condition and loss of wages.
The lawsuit states the defendants failed to control, maintain and/or restrain the dog from being aggressive and attacking Newton without any provocation or fault on her part. The plaintiff alleges the Fiores failed to properly restrain a vicious dog, failed to warn Newton of the dangerous canine and failed to take precautions to prevent the attack.
Newton seeks trial by jury, compensatory damages in excess of $15,000, plus interest and court costs. She is represented by attorney Crystal Sebago of Tampa.
Pinellas Circuit Court case number 18-CA-2863