Halifax Dog Bite Lawyers

Find out if you have a case today.

Contact our Halifax dog bite lawyers for a free consultation if you have legal questions regarding your dog bite claim.

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Published: July 14, 2021 | Last Reviewed: August 7, 2026

Being attacked by a dog can leave lifelong scars, both physically and psychologically. Victims of dog attacks can suffer severe physical damage, enduring emotional trauma, and mental anguish.

Dog attacks can be fatal. A chance encounter with an aggressive animal in Halifax can lead families to lose loved ones in a senseless, violent incident. Dog attacks can also lead to physical injuries, infections, and psychological trauma. Serious injuries that can be sustained in dog attacks include:

Scarring
Broken or fractured bones
Muscular damage
Sprains and strains
Musculoskeletal injuries
Rabies
Tetanus
Sepsis
Endocarditis
Meningitis
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
And more

Unlike the residents of other provinces, the rights of Haligonians who have sustained injuries in a dog attack are not protected under a provincial Dog Owners’ Liability Act. However, certain provisions exist in the provincial Occupier’s Liability Act to hold dog owners accountable for injuries resulting from dog bites on their properties.

Regardless of the dog’s usual temperament, if a pet causes another person to sustain injuries, its owners may be liable for damages. Even the owners of dogs with no history of violent behaviour in the past may be required to provide financial compensation to the injured party for resulting physical and psychological damages.

Depending on the severity of injuries sustained in a dog attack, victims may face substantial challenges — physically, psychologically, and financially. If you have been injured by another person’s dog, our Halifax dog bite lawyers may be able to help you recover financial compensation for damages you have incurred or will incur in the future as a result of your attack.

Physical injuries sustained in a dog attack can lead to disfigurement, infection, and debilitating medical conditions. People who were bitten by violent dogs often develop lasting psychological damage, including PTSD and permanent phobias. Overcoming the trauma of a dog attack may require ongoing psychological treatment.

Furthermore, the substantial cost of medical treatments for physical and mental conditions sustained by the victims of dog attacks can cause financial distress. If the victim has sustained a debilitating condition, they may no longer be able to work as a result of their injuries, leading to even greater financial uncertainty.

With the assistance of our dog bite lawyers in Halifax, injured victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owners to recover costs for the following damages:

Medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Ongoing medical care/in-home care
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Adjusted living expenses
Pain and suffering
And possibly more

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

Our dog bite lawyers serving Halifax offer free, initial consultations to all prospective clients. If you have been injured by another person’s dog, call Preszler Injury Lawyers to discuss the details of your attack and learn if you are eligible to pursue a civil claim against the dog’s owners.

There is no fee for initial consultations with our Halifax dog bite lawyers. Additionally, our dog bite lawyers with experience in Halifax work on a contingency-fee basis. That means, if you are eligible to file a lawsuit, you will not be required to go to additional expense in order to retain the services of Preszler Injury Lawyers.

To learn more about how our dog bite lawyers serving Halifax may be able to help with your case, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today.

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

Can I sue after a dog bite in Nova Scotia?

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.

Does the dog need to have bitten someone before for me to file a claim?

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.

What compensation can I claim after a dog attack?

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.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Nova Scotia?

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.

How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?

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.

How can a dog bite lawyer help with my 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.