Fredericton Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog attacks can happen suddenly and without warning, often leaving lasting physical injuries and emotional distress in their wake. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Fredericton—whether in a public park, at someone’s home, or while out walking—understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery. At NOVA Injury Law, we represent individuals who have suffered dog bite injuries and are ready to help you pursue the compensation and support you deserve.

Every dog owner has a responsibility to control their animal. When that responsibility is breached and someone is harmed, the victim has legal grounds to seek financial compensation. Our firm has the experience and resources to guide you through this process from start to finish, including dealing with insurance companies and handling court proceedings, if necessary.

Injuries That Result from Dog Bites

Dog bites are not only painful in the moment—they can also lead to serious and sometimes permanent consequences. Victims may experience deep tissue damage, torn ligaments, disfigurement, or even nerve injuries that impair one’s movement or sensation. Infections such as cellulitis or rabies are also risks that require immediate medical attention.

Some of the most common physical outcomes of a dog attack include:

Deep puncture wounds and lacerations, which may require stitches or surgical repair;
Muscle and soft tissue injuries, particularly in the arms, legs, or face;
Scarring and disfigurement, especially when bites occur on visible areas like the face or hands;
Nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation, chronic pain, or reduced mobility;
Infections, including bacterial infections or tetanus; or
Psychological trauma, such as anxiety, PTSD, or an ongoing fear of animals.

Many victims need weeks or months of rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or counselling. In the most serious cases, injuries may result in permanent disability or a drastic change in quality of life.

Local Dog Bite Law: Who Is Responsible?

In New Brunswick, dog owners are held to a standard of care that requires them to keep their pets from harming others. If a dog attacks someone and causes injury, the law may hold the owner strictly liable—meaning that even if the owner didn’t intend for the bite to happen, they can still be legally responsible.

Legal liability may hinge on a number of factors, such as the location of the attack, the history of the dog, and the actions (or inaction) of the people responsible for the animal. It’s important to work with a lawyer who understands the nuances of provincial law and how it applies to your case.

What Evidence Do You Need for a Successful Claim?

To build a strong claim, it’s not enough to simply show that a dog bit you. Your legal team must also prove the surrounding circumstances—such as where the attack occurred, what led to the incident, who was present, and how it affected your life.

Key pieces of evidence in a dog bite case may include:

Witness statements from anyone who saw the attack;
Photographs of injuries, torn clothing, or the scene of the incident;
Medical records documenting your injuries, treatment, and prognosis;
Animal control or police reports, particularly if the dog had been reported previously;
Veterinary records showing that the dog had a known history of aggression; and
Video surveillance footage, if the attack occurred on or near a property with cameras.

Our firm can help gather and organize this evidence on your behalf and work with experts such as medical professionals, therapists, or animal behaviour specialists to support your case.

What Steps Should You Take After a Dog Bite in Fredericton?

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps early on can protect your health and strengthen your legal position.

Here’s what you should do:

Seek medical care immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, a dog bite can lead to serious infection. Medical documentation also becomes key evidence in a claim.
Report the incident. Contact Fredericton Animal Control or the local police so the incident is officially recorded and investigated.
Document everything. Take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred. If you know the dog owner, get their contact information.
Avoid direct communication with the dog owner’s insurance provider. They may try to limit their payout or deny your claim entirely.
Contact a personal injury lawyer. An experienced legal team can help protect your rights and guide you through the next steps with clarity and confidence, like the one at NOVA Injury Law.

Understanding Insurance and Compensation for Dog Attacks

Most dog bite claims are typically covered under the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy of the dog’s owner. These policies often include liability coverage for injuries caused by pets.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, medication, and therapy;
Lost wages if you were unable to work due to your injuries;
Pain and suffering resulting from the trauma and physical pain;
Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer engage in certain activities; and
Mental health treatment including therapy for anxiety or PTSD.

A fair settlement takes into account both your immediate losses and the long-term consequences of the attack. We’ll ensure that nothing is overlooked when building your claim.

Does the Dog’s History Matter?

Yes. In fact, the dog’s behavioural history is often central to proving liability. If the dog has attacked or shown signs of aggression before, and the owner failed to take appropriate precautions, this strengthens your case significantly.

Important sources of background information include:

Previous bite incidents or complaints filed with animal control;
Neighbour statements about the dog’s behaviour;
Veterinary records referencing behavioural problem; and
Warnings from breeders, kennels, or adoption agencies.

In New Brunswick, even a single previous incident may be enough to establish that the owner should have taken steps to prevent the risk.

Dog Bites Involving Children

When a dog attacks a child, the situation becomes even more serious. Children are more likely to suffer severe injuries and may be left with lasting emotional scars. They may also be more vulnerable to facial bites or injuries that interfere with growth or development.

In cases involving minors, additional legal considerations apply:

Settlements must often be approved by the court to ensure the child’s interests are protected;
Claims may include projected future costs, such as plastic surgery or ongoing counselling; and
Parental losses, such as missed work for caregiving or transportation, may also be factored in.

At NOVA Injury Law, we handle these matters with care, compassion, and an emphasis on minimizing further stress for the child and their family.

Why Choose a Fredericton Dog Bite Lawyer from NOVA Injury Law?

When you’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, and uncertainty, you shouldn’t have to also navigate complex insurance claims or legal processes alone. Our team of experienced Fredericton injury lawyers is here to make the process easier, clearer, and more successful.

Here’s how we can help:

We investigate thoroughly—gathering facts, speaking with witnesses, and working with experts
We manage all legal paperwork, filings, and insurance communication so you don’t have to
We fight for fair compensation, whether through negotiation or by taking your case to court
We work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless we win your case
Our firm is proudly Atlantic Canadian, and we understand the unique challenges Fredericton families face after serious injuries.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Rights Today

If you’ve been injured by a dog in Fredericton, time is of the essence. New Brunswick law limits how long you have to file a claim. Reaching out to a lawyer early ensures your case is properly documented and that evidence is preserved.

Even if you’re unsure whether you have a claim, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

Book a Free Case Review Our Fredericton Dog Bite Lawyers Today!

Our team at NOVA Injury Law is here to help you move forward. We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can get legal advice without added pressure. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you determine the best next steps. Email us at info@novainjurylaw.com for more information.