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Amherst Dog Bite Lawyers

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Published: September 20, 2021 | Last Reviewed: August 7, 2026

Dogs are valued members of millions of families across the country. Beloved companions, service animals, protectors, and “best friends,” dogs hold a special place in the hearts of countless Amherst residents.

However, even the most adored and well-behaved pet can act unpredictably around other humans. Dogs that have never displayed any outward signs of violence or aggression towards other people have been known to attack visitors, neighbours, delivery personnel, passersby, and even small children. When dogs bite, maul, or otherwise attack unsuspecting people, the consequences can be devastating. Small children and toddlers are particularly susceptible to fatal injuries caused by dog bites. Those that survive violent encounters with dangerous dogs may bear the scars– physically and psychologically– for the rest of their lives.

In addition to sustaining physical disfigurement, scarring, musculoskeletal injuries, nerve damage, and other physical injuries, people bitten by dogs may become infected with life-threatening diseases including:

  • Rabies
  • Tetanus
  • Endocarditis
  • Sepsis
  • Meningitis
  • And possibly more

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the survivors of dog attacks to develop serious psychological issues. Often debilitating in nature, the psychological injuries acquired because of a dog owner’s failure to control their pet could have profound effects on an attack victim’s ability to work, and could significantly diminish their overall quality of life. Examples of psychological issues frequently developed by the injured survivors of dog attacks include:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Permanent phobias
  • Sleep disorders
  • Panic attacks
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Diminished self-esteem arising from physical disfigurement
  • And more

In order to adequately address these overwhelming mental health issues, attack victims may be required to pay expensive out-of-pocket costs for psychiatric treatment, psychological counselling, prescription medications, and more. Furthermore, injured dog bite victims may incur additional expenses related to their medical treatments, reconstructive surgeries following physical disfigurement, and other injury-related costs.

If you were injured in a dog attack on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the dog’s owner. That is because, in accordance with the province’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, the owners and occupiers of both commercial and residential properties have a responsibility to take appropriate measures to protect the physical safety of people visiting their premises. If a pet owner does not properly restrain their dog or take preventative measures to reduce the risk of injuries by keeping the dog away from visitors or guests, they may be considered negligence. Even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression towards people in the past, the owner that failed to prevent the attack may be considered negligent.

Therefore, the injured victims of dog attacks may be eligible to pursue a civil claim for damages against the negligent pet owner whose dog caused them to sustain compensable injuries. If you were injured in a dog attack, our  dog bite lawyersserving Amherst may be able to help you recover damages you have incurred or will incur in the future because of your injuries.

Our Amherst dog bite lawyers are passionate about providing crucial legal assistance to injured members of the local community. To learn more about how we may be able to help with your case, book a free initial consultation with our dog bite lawyers serving Amherst by calling Preszler Injury Lawyers today.

Free Consultation for Amherst Residents – We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win

After being bitten by a dog and sustaining serious injuries as a result, it can be difficult to know which actions to take next and which options for financial recovery may be available to you. To go over the details of your attack and learn if you might be entitled to financial compensation, schedule a free initial consultation with our Amherst dog bite lawyers by contacting Preszler Injury Lawyers.

Authored by Preszler Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm

Preszler Injury Lawyers represents injured people across Ontario in personal injury matters, including motor vehicle accident claims, slip and fall claims, long-term disability claims, and institutional abuse claims.

Proudly Canadian

Award Winning Personal Injury Law Firm

We are proud to be one of Canada’s oldest and long-standing personal injury law firms. Since 1959, we have been providing exceptional legal services and have established ourselves as leading personal injury lawyers in the Canadian legal community. It’s not just the awards that recognize our achievements, but also the wins we’ve achieved for thousands of Canadians with their dog bite claims.

Case Results

dog bite Settlements

Please note that past results are not indicative of future results as each scenario presents itself with its unique set of circumstances. But here are some dog bite related wins we’ve had for our clients.

Settlement

Dog Bite

$900,000

An individual was riding his bicycle in a park where a dog ran towards him and struck him. The individual fell off his bike and sustained serious brain injuries.

Settlement

Dog Bite

$900,000

Dog Attack. Client Injuries: Head injury and cognitive issues

dog bite FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions for dog bite claims

You may have a claim if a dog owner or another responsible person failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. Liability can depend on factors such as the dog’s previous behaviour, the owner’s knowledge, how the animal was controlled, and the circumstances of the incident. A lawyer can investigate what happened and determine whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Not necessarily. Evidence that a dog previously acted aggressively can help establish that its owner knew about the danger, but a prior bite is not the only way to prove liability. A claim may also be based on negligence—for example, if the owner failed to restrain or supervise the dog when a reasonable person would have done so.

Depending on your injuries and circumstances, compensation may be available for pain and suffering, lost income, treatment expenses, rehabilitation costs, scarring, psychological trauma, and future care needs. The value of a claim depends on the evidence and the attack’s short- and long-term effects.

Nova Scotia’s general limitation period is often two years from the date a claim is discovered, but exceptions and different deadlines may apply. Because evidence can disappear and limitation issues can be complicated, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Preszler Injury Lawyers handles eligible dog bite claims on a contingency-fee basis. This generally means you do not pay legal fees upfront, and legal fees are collected only if compensation is recovered for you. During a free initial consultation, we can explain the fee arrangement, potential expenses, and how costs would be handled in your case.

A dog bite lawyer can investigate the attack, identify the responsible parties, gather evidence about the dog’s behaviour, obtain medical documentation, and calculate your losses. Your lawyer can also communicate with insurers, negotiate on your behalf, and pursue legal action when necessary—all while protecting your rights and applicable deadlines.

Read More FAQs

Bitten or Attacked by a Dog in Amherst?

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