A woman has filed a lawsuit claiming negligence after being attacked by a dog in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Patricia Cohen filed the complaint against Carolyn Blair in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on November 19, 2024.
According to the lawsuit, Patricia Cohen alleges that on February 14, 2024, she was physically injured by a dog owned by Carolyn Blair while it was being walked near Gulf Way and 17th Avenue. The plaintiff claims that Blair failed to properly maintain and restrain her dog, leading to the attack. The legal filing outlines several accusations against Blair, including negligence for not securing or warning about the dog's dangerous propensities. Cohen argues that Blair should have known about her dog's potential danger and thus owed a duty of care to prevent such incidents.
The plaintiff asserts that due to this negligence, she suffered significant injuries including bodily harm, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. The document states these injuries are either permanent or ongoing, implying long-term consequences for Cohen's health and well-being. Furthermore, she anticipates continued expenses related to medical treatment and hospitalization as a result of the attack.
Cohen is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from Blair under two counts: negligence and liability under Florida Statute 767.01 which holds owners accountable for damages caused by their animals. She requests compensation for her physical injuries as well as any further legal or equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Patricia Cohen is attorney William J. Flores from Wil Flores P.A., based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The case is identified with Case Number 24-005081-CI and will be heard in front of judges at the Circuit Court of Pinellas County.