An Ocala mother claims her child was allegedly attacked and severely injured by a dog during a sleepover at a local home.
The complaint was filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on June 16, by Tiasha Carmona, acting as the parent and natural guardian of a minor child identified in court documents as “N.T.” The lawsuit names Belleview resident Joe C. Brown as the defendant.
According to the filing, the incident occurred on September 7, 2025, at a residence located at along SE 36th Avenue in Belleview.
The property is owned by Brown and was being rented by Damaris Rodriguez and Carlos Natel, who lived at the home with a Labrador mixed-breed dog.
The lawsuit states that the minor child was attending a sleepover on the premises when the child was attacked by the Labrador.
As a result of the dog attack, the complaint alleges that the child sustained severe, significant, and permanent bodily injuries.
Carmona claims her child has suffered physical and mental pain, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, and a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.
Additionally, the filing states that the family has incurred expenses for hospitalization, nursing care, and medical treatment.
The lawsuit cites strict liability under Florida Statute 767.04, arguing that Brown is liable for the damages caused by the dog attack because the minor was lawfully occupying a residence he owned at the time of the incident.
Carmona is being is seeking a judgment for damages in excess of $50,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney’s fees.