What Are Your Rights When You Are Attacked by a Dog?
Public Liability
29 April 2026
min read
If you are the victim of a dog attack because of an uncontrolled dog, it is vital to understand your legal rights and available compensation options.
According to Garling&Co, consulting a lawyer who specialises in personal injury law is essential in such situations.
Understanding Your Rights and Compensation After a Dog Attack
Case Study: Ioannidis v. Uncontrolled Dog Owner
A recent court decision awarded $101,788.63 to Mary Ioannidis after she and her dog Lexi were attacked by an unrestrained larger dog. The court required the dog owner to pay both the awarded damages to Ms Ioannidis and her full legal expenses.
- The court established that Ms Ioannidis sustained both physical injuries—which mostly healed except for minor scarring—and developed PTSD as a psychiatric injury.
- Walking outside with dogs remains difficult for Ms Ioannidis, even after she obtained a new puppy following Lexi’s passing.
- The judge highlighted that attacks like these produce enduring psychological trauma as well as physical injuries.
The emotional connection between the plaintiff and her pet was central to the case. The judge stated: “The evidence shows that the assault on the plaintiff and the assault on Lexi are inseparable.”
However, the court limited compensation to injuries resulting from the defendant’s dog wounding or attacking Ms Ioannidis, not Lexi. The judge noted that the Act did not provide Ms Ioannidis with compensation for her psychological trauma from witnessing Lexi being attacked, although this did not reduce the damages awarded in this case.
No compensation was claimed for injury to the dog. We only act in cases where a person has sustained injuries from a dog attack. In this case it was both the Ms Ioannidis and her dog who were attacked.
Why Legal Advice Is Essential
Dog attack incidents can result in:
- Physical and psychological damages
- Complex legal challenges regarding compensation and responsibility
The legal process is complex, determining what damages can be recovered and which specific laws apply. This demonstrates the critical importance of consulting with an accredited specialist in personal injury law.
A specialist can provide:
- Legal advice about your rights and potential entitlements under the law
- Guidance through the process of seeking compensation for your damages
- Assistance in obtaining compensation for physical injuries, psychological damage, and legal fees when necessary
Take Action: Protect Yourself
Garling&Co recognises that dog attacks can cause significant physical, emotional, and psychological distress. If you are harmed by another dog the Companion Animal Act hold the owner strictly responsible for any injury caused.
This case illustrates the importance the judge placed on dog owner responsibility. The judge stated:
“Mary and Lexi faced a terrifying dog attack during their walk because the dog owner had not controlled the massive animal that could have killed Lexi if Mary had not intervened to save her.”
The court handed down this judgment to reinforce the importance of dog owners controlling their pets.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured and needs the support of an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law, please don’t hesitate to contact Garling & Co today.
Visit our website: www.garlingandco.com.au
Or call us on: (02) 8329 9500
We’re here to help you navigate this challenging time and work towards a brighter future.
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