Judge awards nurse nearly $61,000 after she was attacked by dog in N.S. home
The injuries resulted in chronic anxiety and panic attacks, according to the court documents.
A Halifax-area couple has been ordered to pay nearly $61,000 in damages and $4,000 in court costs following a dog attack that occurred in 2016.
Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Christa Brothers ruled that Harvey Hayden and Susan Forest were negligent in controlling their valley bulldog when they knew a licensed practical nurse, Lynn Patterson, would be visiting their home in Spryfield.
During her visit in May 2016, Patterson was attacked by the dog, sustaining a significant bite to her right arm and another bite to her back.
The injuries resulted in chronic anxiety and panic attacks, according to the court documents.
Despite being notified of the lawsuit through a registered letter in 2017, the couple did not appear in court until April of this year. Justice Brothers dismissed their claims of ignorance regarding the legal action, citing multiple attempts to prompt a response from them.
In her ruling, the judge acknowledged the couple's assertion that they are unable to pay the damages.
