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Winchelsea Dog Attack Victim Awarded $638,479 in Damages - Winchelsea, VIC
Smart summary
Susan Shaw suffered devastating injuries after being mauled by two dogs while jogging in Winchelsea, with a Victorian court awarding compensation for her long-term injuries and losses.
Susan Shaw, a mother of three from Winchelsea in Victoria, has been awarded $638,479.28 in damages after suffering devastating injuries in a dog attack while she was out running in the early hours of May 9, 2024. The judgment was reported today, August 19, 2026, following a County Court of Victoria decision.
The attack happened at approximately 4:30am on Trebeck Court, Winchelsea, when Shaw was attacked by two American Staffordshire dogs. The court heard that she was bitten repeatedly across her body while attempting to protect herself.
The injuries were extremely serious. Shaw suffered the partial amputation of her right ear, numerous deep lacerations and nerve damage, while one of her legs was so badly injured that there were fears it could be lost. She required extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation following the attack.
Shaw spent approximately six weeks in hospital, including six days in intensive care and two days on a ventilator. She underwent nine surgeries, with more than 24 hours spent in operating theatres during her treatment.
A plastic surgeon who assessed Shaw's injuries described the consequences as exceptionally severe. The court heard that the amount of blood she lost meant her life was potentially at risk without the timely assistance of a neighbour, who called emergency services.
The legal case against the dogs' owners involved father and son Phophinder and Dion Shergill. They had previously been found guilty in the Geelong Magistrates' Court in relation to the incident involving their dogs and were fined. The dogs were subsequently ordered to be destroyed.
Shaw began her civil proceedings in December 2024. A default judgment was subsequently entered against the Shergills after they did not take steps to have that judgment set aside. The remaining issue was determining the appropriate amount of compensation for Shaw's injuries and their continuing consequences.
Judicial Registrar Craig Lynch handed down the damages judgment on August 13, 2026, awarding Shaw a total of $638,479.28. The largest component was $575,000 in general damages. Other amounts related to agreed claims including past and future medical expenses, past and future gratuitous care and past loss of earnings.
In his judgment, Registrar Lynch described the attack as a profoundly horrific and terrifying event and recognised that Shaw's injuries had permanently affected her quality of life.
Despite the severity of the injuries, the judgment also highlighted Shaw's courage and determination throughout her recovery. She has continued to deal with the long-term consequences of the attack, which affect many aspects of her daily life.
The case demonstrates the potentially devastating consequences of uncontrolled dogs and the responsibilities placed on owners to prevent animals from causing serious harm.
The $638,479.28 award provides financial compensation for the physical injuries, ongoing consequences, treatment and other losses arising from the attack. However, the judgment also makes clear that financial compensation cannot undo the permanent impact the incident has had on Shaw's life.
ShawAttackInjuriesJudgmentConsequences
Susan Shaw, a mother of three from Winchelsea in Victoria, has been awarded $638,479.28 in damages after suffering devastating injuries in a dog attack while she was out running in the early hours of May 9, 2024. The judgment was reported today, August 19, 2026, following a County Court of Victoria decision.
The attack happened at approximately 4:30am on Trebeck Court, Winchelsea, when Shaw was attacked by two American Staffordshire dogs. The court heard that she was bitten repeatedly across her body while attempting to protect herself.
The injuries were extremely serious. Shaw suffered the partial amputation of her right ear, numerous deep lacerations and nerve damage, while one of her legs was so badly injured that there were fears it could be lost. She required extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation following the attack.
Shaw spent approximately six weeks in hospital, including six days in intensive care and two days on a ventilator. She underwent nine surgeries, with more than 24 hours spent in operating theatres during her treatment.
A plastic surgeon who assessed Shaw's injuries described the consequences as exceptionally severe. The court heard that the amount of blood she lost meant her life was potentially at risk without the timely assistance of a neighbour, who called emergency services.
The legal case against the dogs' owners involved father and son Phophinder and Dion Shergill. They had previously been found guilty in the Geelong Magistrates' Court in relation to the incident involving their dogs and were fined. The dogs were subsequently ordered to be destroyed.
Shaw began her civil proceedings in December 2024. A default judgment was subsequently entered against the Shergills after they did not take steps to have that judgment set aside. The remaining issue was determining the appropriate amount of compensation for Shaw's injuries and their continuing consequences.
Judicial Registrar Craig Lynch handed down the damages judgment on August 13, 2026, awarding Shaw a total of $638,479.28. The largest component was $575,000 in general damages. Other amounts related to agreed claims including past and future medical expenses, past and future gratuitous care and past loss of earnings.
In his judgment, Registrar Lynch described the attack as a profoundly horrific and terrifying event and recognised that Shaw's injuries had permanently affected her quality of life.
Despite the severity of the injuries, the judgment also highlighted Shaw's courage and determination throughout her recovery. She has continued to deal with the long-term consequences of the attack, which affect many aspects of her daily life.
The case demonstrates the potentially devastating consequences of uncontrolled dogs and the responsibilities placed on owners to prevent animals from causing serious harm.
The $638,479.28 award provides financial compensation for the physical injuries, ongoing consequences, treatment and other losses arising from the attack. However, the judgment also makes clear that financial compensation cannot undo the permanent impact the incident has had on Shaw's life.
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