RLR Case in the News: CTV Covers $392K Dog-Bite Judgment
July 3, 2026
A case argued by RLR partner Nicole E. Smith made provincial headlines this week. CTV News Vancouver reported on a B.C. Supreme Court decision awarding more than $392,000 to a woman seriously injured by an off-leash dog — a claim Nicole carried for the plaintiff from filing through to judgment. You can read the full story on CTV News: After being bitten by off-leash dog, B.C. woman awarded $392K in lawsuit.
The case
In December 2020, Kaarina Schrott was jogging in Vernon when a large, off-leash dog attacked her, biting her elbow and pulling her to the ground. She suffered serious knee injuries — a lateral tibial plateau fracture and a meniscus tear — that required surgery within days, and a second operation more than two years later.
Ms. Schrott, a licensed practical nurse who ran her own foot care business, could no longer do the hands-on nursing work her business required. A doctor who assessed her concluded her symptoms are likely to be permanent, and she ultimately sold the business in July 2024.
The decision
In reasons for judgment issued June 17, 2026, Justice K. Wolfe of the B.C. Supreme Court found the injuries “significantly curtailed” Ms. Schrott’s ability to take part in the activities she used to enjoy, such as skiing and gardening. The dog’s owner never responded to the claim, and the court granted default judgment.
The court awarded Ms. Schrott $392,352 in damages — including $200,000 for future loss of earning capacity, $145,000 in non-pecuniary damages, $30,000 for costs of future care and $17,352 in special damages — plus an additional amount under the Health Care Costs Recovery Act and a lump sum for legal costs. The full decision, Schrott v. Roger, 2026 BCSC 1116, is available on CanLII.
The work behind the result
This judgment did not come easily. The dog’s owner could not be located to be served, so the legal team hired a process server and ran advertisements in two local newspapers — service efforts the court found reasonable. The hearing took place in Nanaimo over two days in April 2026, with Nicole E. Smith acting for Ms. Schrott, assisted by Matt Landry.
Cases like this one fall under the personal injury work RLR handles for clients across Vancouver Island — including claims involving animal bites and attacks, slip and falls, and other serious injuries. Claims that must be resolved before the courts, like this one, are part of the civil disputes our civil litigation lawyers handle. We never represent insurance companies; we only work for injured clients.
Questions about a personal injury claim?
If you or someone you care about has been injured by a dog or in another incident that wasn’t your fault, our personal injury lawyers in Nanaimo, Courtenay, and Port Alberni can help you understand your options. Every case turns on its own facts, and a conversation is often the simplest way to find out where you stand. Contact us to arrange a consultation.
Disclaimer: The outcome of every legal proceeding varies according to the facts in individual cases. References to successful case results where the lawyers at RLR have acted for clients are not a guarantee or indicative of future results.