St. John’s Dog Bite Lawyers

Being bitten by a dog is a traumatic experience that can lead to serious physical injuries, emotional suffering, and significant financial burdens. Whether you were attacked by a neighbour’s pet, a stray dog, or a service animal, you have legal rights under Newfoundland law. The experienced St. John’s Dog Bite Lawyers at NOVA Injury Law are here to help you navigate the legal system and seek the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Dog Bite Claims in St. John’s

A dog bite claim arises when a person is bitten or attacked by a dog and suffers injury as a result. These claims fall under the broader category of personal injury law, and they hold dog owners accountable for failing to prevent harm caused by their animals. 

You may have a valid dog bite case if:

• You suffered a physical injury from the bite
• The dog’s owner was negligent in controlling their animal
• The attack resulted in damages such as medical costs, emotional trauma, or lost wages

If you’ve been bitten, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our team can assess your case, explain your legal options, and initiate your legal claim quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Determining the At-Fault Party

Under Newfoundland law, dog owners are legally responsible for preventing their dogs from harming others. If they fail to control a dangerous dog or violate local bylaws (such as leash laws), they can be held liable for injuries caused.

Establishing liability may involve:

• Witness testimony
• Veterinary or licensing records
• Evidence of past attacks or vicious propensity
• Breach of municipal dangerous dog regulations

The at-fault party is often the dog owner, but other parties such as landlords or property managers may also bear responsibility depending on the facts.

Role of Insurance Companies

Many dog owners are covered under homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. This means that their insurance company may be responsible for paying out a settlement. However, insurers often aim to minimize payouts or deny liability. Our legal team is experienced in negotiating directly with insurance adjusters and building strong cases to pursue full compensation.

Proving Negligence in Court

In some cases, a lawsuit becomes necessary if a settlement cannot be reached. 

To succeed in court, your lawyer must show:

• The dog owner owed a duty of care
• The owner breached that duty (e.g., failure to leash or warn)
• The breach caused your injury
• You suffered measurable harm
• Prior complaints to animal control, history of aggression, or video/photo evidence of the attack can be pivotal in proving negligence.

Medical Complications of Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. 

Victims may suffer:

• Puncture wounds
• Infections (such as rabies, tetanus, or cellulitis)
• Crush injuries or broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Lacerations requiring surgery
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent complications and document the extent of your injuries for your legal claim.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Dog attacks often cause lasting emotional trauma, especially in children. 

Victims may experience:

• Anxiety around animals
• Nightmares or sleep disturbances
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social withdrawal

These non-physical effects can impact everyday life and may warrant non-economic damages in your claim.

Child Victims and Increased Damages

Children are at higher risk of being bitten due to their smaller size and lack of awareness. When a child is the victim, courts often award higher compensation for long-term emotional harm, visible scarring, and the impact on their development. Parents may also claim loss of care and companionship on behalf of their child.

Dog Bites on Rental or Shared Property

Dog bites sometimes occur on rental properties, in shared buildings, or on business premises. 

In these cases, landlords or property owners may share liability if they:

• Knew of the dog’s aggressive behavior
• Failed to act on complaints
• Did not enforce pet restrictions or warnings
• Kennels, groomers, or pet daycares may also be liable if they fail to secure or monitor dogs in their care.

Liability for Service or Police Dogs

Although rare, dog bites can involve police dogs or service animals. 

These cases are more complex, but liability may still exist if the animal was:

• Used inappropriately
• Not properly trained
• Engaged in excessive force or unlawful conduct

A legal review of the incident is necessary to determine whether compensation can be sought.

Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit in St. John’s

If negotiations fail, you may decide to sue the dog owner. 

The litigation process includes:

• Free case evaluation with a lawyer
• Filing a statement of claim in court
• Exchanging evidence during discovery
• Negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial

There are time limits for filing a dog bite claim, so it’s crucial to act promptly.

Your Legal Rights as a Victim

Under Newfoundland law, dog bite victims have the legal right to pursue compensation for their losses. This includes both economic damages (e.g., bills, income loss) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, emotional trauma). A skilled lawyer can ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

Choosing the Right Legal Team

Selecting a law firm with experience in dog bite and personal injury cases is essential. 

Look for:

• Proven case results
• Transparent legal fees (contingency arrangements)
• Free consultations
• Compassionate, client-focused service

Our St. John’s Dog Bite Lawyers at NOVA Injury Law are here to support you with dedicated legal representation and no upfront fees.

Calculating Total Compensation

Victims of dog bites may be eligible to receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses (ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Mental anguish and emotional distress

The total injury claim value depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Negotiating Settlements vs. Trial

Most dog bite cases settle out of court. Settlements are typically faster, less expensive, and allow for more privacy. However, if the insurance company refuses a fair offer, trial may be necessary to maximize your compensation. Our legal team will advise you on your best options and help you weigh the pros and cons of settlement vs. litigation.

Identifying a Dangerous Dog

A dangerous dog is typically one with a known history of aggression or prior attacks. Local municipalities may keep a dangerous dog registry. If the dog has shown vicious propensity or has attacked others before, this can be powerful evidence in your case.

The One Bite Rule and Its Exceptions

Newfoundland does not strictly follow the “one bite rule,” but prior incidents may influence a court’s assessment of liability. If the dog has bitten or threatened people before, the owner may be presumed to have known the risk—and failed to prevent it.

Role of Animal Control in Investigations

Animal control plays a key role in documenting and investigating dog attacks. 

They may:

• Issue citations or fines to owners
• Order quarantine of the dog
• Record the incident in public databases
• Support your case through documentation

Reporting the incident immediately to authorities helps preserve evidence and supports your legal claim.

Get Help from Our St. John’s Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bite injuries can leave a lasting impact on your life, but you don’t have to face the legal aftermath alone. Our St. John’s Dog Bite Lawyers at NOVA Injury Law are here to help you understand your rights, hold negligent dog owners accountable, and pursue the compensation you need to heal. We offer a free consultation and case evaluation to discuss your situation. Let our trusted legal team provide the guidance and advocacy you deserve. Email us at info@novainjurylaw.com to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice.