Dog bites and attacks can leave victims dealing with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial setbacks. While dogs can be loyal companions, it is an unfortunate reality that any dog can pose a risk if it feels threatened or is improperly handled. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and associated costs under Nova Scotia law.
At Valent Legal, our experienced Halifax dog bite lawyers understand the complexities of dog bite claims according to provincial laws and regulations. We are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve while holding negligent owners accountable. To speak about your legal options, contact our team today for a free case review.
What Constitutes a Dog Bite Claim?
A dog bite claim can arise when a person is injured by a dog, and the owner of the dog is held legally responsible. Although no law exists in Nova Scotia that applies to dog bites specifically, dog owners can still be held accountable for their pet’s actions, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before.
Examples of valid dog bite claims might include:
- A dog bites a pedestrian without provocation
- A child is attacked in a public setting, resulting in injuries
- A delivery worker is bitten while entering private property where no warning signs were posted
- And more
While dog bites are the most common type of claim filed, injuries caused by a dog’s aggressive behaviour–such as knocking someone over–may also qualify for compensation. Valent Legal’s Halifax dog bite lawyers can assess the specifics of your case and determine your eligibility for a claim.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites & Attacks
Dog bites can cause injuries that range from mild to severe, with long-term physical and psychological consequences. If you’re bitten by a dog, you may experience:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Significant scarring
- Facial disfigurement
- Concussions
- Infections, including rabies, tetanus, or sepsis
- Endocarditis
- Meningitis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Muscular damage
- Sprains and strains
- Nerve damage
- And more
It is also common for dog attacks to cause lasting psychological damage in addition to physical. An individual who has been bitten may deal with:
- Anxiety, especially around dogs
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic attacks
- And more
Dog attacks can cause people who once loved pets to fear them and impact their day-to-day lives. If you have suffered one of these injuries due to a dog bite incident, you may be eligible for compensation.
Determining Dog Bite Liability and Laws in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s laws surrounding negligence and liability are designed to protect victims and ensure that dog owners take responsibility for their pets. Although there is no specific law that applies to dog bites, you may still pursue a dog bite case through a negligence claim or a occupiers’ liability claim:
- Negligence Claims: A negligence claim may be filed when an individual has failed to take proper care, which results in harm to another person. In dog bite claims, negligence means that a dog owner failed to manage their dog adequately, which resulted in injury to another person. It is important to note that a dog owner does not need prior knowledge of their dog’s tendency to bite to be held liable for an injury via negligence claim.
- Occupiers’ Liability Claim: Under Nova Scotia’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, a claimant must demonstrate that a dog owner knew (or should have known) that their dog may be a danger to people on their property and that they did not take reasonable steps to prevent an incident from occurring. Even if the dog has no bite or attack history, an owner may still be found at fault under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, depending on the circumstances.
Although no province-wide dog bite statute exists, certain animal control bylaws do exist among individual municipalities. The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) enforces specific animal control regulations that may affect your dog bite claim. For example, owners are required to leash their dogs in public spaces and may face penalties if their dog is deemed dangerous or unrestrained.
Certain situations may exempt an owner from liability. These may include instances where:
- The victim was trespassing on private property
- The dog was provoked, teased, or abused prior to the attack
- The dog was acting in self-defence or protecting its owner
- And more
It can be hard to determine liability and fault in dog bite cases. Our experienced Halifax dog bite lawyers at Valent Legal will carefully review the circumstances of your case to determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable. If you have questions about the viability of your claim, contact our team today.
Factors that May Influence Compensation You Receive
The amount of compensation you’re entitled to after a dog bite or attack can depend on many factors, like the severity of your injuries or the exact circumstances of the incident.
When pursuing a settlement or arguing your claim in court, parties may consider:
- The Extent of Your Injuries: Severe injuries, like permanent disfigurement or nerve damage, may result in higher compensation. For this reason, it is important to keep a clear and detailed record of your injuries, diagnoses, and treatment you have received since the attack.
- Medical Costs: Expenses related to any treatment, surgery, or ongoing rehabilitation you require due to the attack will be taken into account.
- Emotional Impact: Psychological trauma, including PTSD or anxiety as a result of the attack, can be factored into the non-economic damages you are owed.
- Lost Income: If you are unable to work or resume the job you had prior to the incident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Provocation or Trespassing: If your actions as the victim contributed to the attack, like provoking the dog or trespassing on private property, it may reduce or negate the compensation you can pursue.
Compensation and damages dog attack victims are entitled to will change depending on the unique circumstances of their case. This is why it is advisable that you work with an experienced legal professional who understands every avenue of compensation that may be available to you. Our Halifax dog bite lawyers will work diligently to aid in your recovery and ensure all relevant factors are considered in your claim.
How Can Valent Legal Help With Your Dog Bite Claim?
At Valent Legal, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can have on your life. Our dedicated Halifax dog bite lawyers offer comprehensive legal services to our clients to ensure they receive the support they need when they need it most.
We can help you by:
- Investigating Your Case Thoroughly: We will gather evidence for you, identify any liable parties, and help build a strong claim on your behalf. This might include compiling photos of your injuries, witness statements, medical records that detail your injuries and treatment, and more.
- Handling Insurance Companies & Negotiations: We will negotiate with insurers on your behalf to help you secure a fair settlement for your injuries and losses. Although most homeowners’ or tenants’ insurance policies will cover claims for dog bites or attacks, it is always helpful to have a legal professional on your side who understands insurance law in Nova Scotia.
- Advocating For You in Court: If you can’t reach a fair settlement with the defendant, we are prepared to represent you in court. We can prepare arguments in favour of your claim, negotiate with the defence, and communicate with the court effectively.
- And More
Our compassionate and experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way, so you can focus on your recovery. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in Nova Scotia, don’t hesitate to contact Valent Legal’s personal injury team today.
Contact Our Halifax Dog Bite Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, Valent Legal’s Halifax dog bite lawyers are ready to help. With a track record of success and a client-centred approach, we will pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free case review and let us help you move forward with your claim confidently. You can call our office at 902-443-4488, email our team at , or fill out our online contact form now.
