A NSW appeals court has upheld a damages award in favour of prominent bridal designer Mary Ioannidis, confirming a lower court ruling that found she suffered significant physical and psychological injuries following a dog attack in 2020.
The NSW Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal brought by the original defendant, Ms Carretero, and affirmed a District Court judgment awarding Ms Ioannidis $101,788.63 in damages.
The case stemmed from an incident in April 2020 in which Ms Ioannidis was attacked while walking her dog. The court heard she sustained injuries to her hand after Ms Carretero’s dog attacked both her and her pet.
The Court of Appeal found the primary judge had not erred in the ways alleged by the appellant, allowing the original judgment to stand.
Ms Ioannidis, known for her bridal and evening gown designs, has had limited involvement in dressmaking since the incident, with the court accepting evidence that the injuries affected her ability to continue working in her profession.
In a statement following the decision, Shine Lawyers Senior Associate Brittany Vella said the outcome recognised the lasting impact of the attack on her client.
“Today’s outcome acknowledges the seriousness of what she endured and the life-altering consequences she has lived with,” Ms Vella said.
The appeal judgment also upheld the District Court’s findings on damages and reinforced legal principles surrounding liability and compensation in animal-related injury claims in NSW.
According to legal representatives, the case highlights the broader prevalence of dog-related injuries in Australia, with thousands of people hospitalised each year following dog attacks.
