In the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, a lawsuit has been filed by Mellisa King against Shamaria Watkins and Brenda Watkins. The case, bearing the ID 24-001024-Cl, was filed on March 4, 2024. The plaintiff is seeking damages for an incident involving a dog owned by the defendants.
The lawsuit alleges that on July 10, 2023, a dog owned by the defendants escaped from their premises at 4429 6th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL and attacked Mellisa King. As per the complaint, the dog bit King's left leg causing her significant injuries. The plaintiff is represented by an unnamed counsel.
The suit seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for multiple injuries and trauma suffered by King as a result of the attack. These include pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life among others.
King is demanding a jury trial and is suing for strict liability under Florida Statute section 767.04 which holds dog owners liable for damages suffered by persons bitten regardless of prior knowledge of viciousness. She also accuses Watkins of negligence in failing to properly contain or control their dog.