Dog Bite Attorney in Toronto | Injury Lawyer For Car Accident
The majority of animal bites are inflicted by dogs, although cats, horses, and even exotic animals at zoos are occasionally involved. While many dog bites may heal quickly, a serious injury can result in permanent disfigurement and require surgery.
Regrettably, children are the most frequent victims of dog attacks due to their natural curiosity and lack of awareness of the potential threat a dog can pose. Because of their small size, children are also more likely to suffer more extensive and severe injuries in an attack compared to adults.
In addition to the physical injuries sustained in an attack, dog bites can also cause emotional trauma, particularly for young children who may develop phobias of dogs and other animals that persist into adulthood.
Due to Ontario’s strict liability laws regarding dog owners, any victim of a dog bite should contact a personal injury attorney from Injury Lawyer For Car Accident to explore the available forms of compensation.
Common Types of Dog Attacks
Dogs attack people for various reasons, often driven by fear, illness, or a need to protect their territory. Understanding these causes can help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe from harm.
Dog Bites
A dog bite is a single bite from a dog directed towards a person or another animal. The dog could be a household pet, a neighborhood dog, or a feral animal. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite, especially if the dog is unknown or unvaccinated against rabies.
Injuries Sustained While Fleeing From Aggressive Dogs
In addition to potential animal bites, attempting to flee from aggressive dogs could also result in other injuries, such as scrapes, bruises, sprains, and even fractures.
If the dog has an owner who has been proven negligent, they could be held liable for the harm caused by their dogs.
Animal Attacks in Private Residences and on Public Property
You may be at risk of an animal attack when visiting someone else’s home or when out in public, particularly in dog parks. It’s essential to be mindful of your behavior around certain animals, especially if they are unfamiliar with you. Dogs can be highly territorial, and it’s important not to provoke them further.
If the attack is directly attributable to the owner’s negligence, it may be possible to file a lawsuit, although it could also be more convenient to resolve the issue out of court.
However, if the dog attacks a person who is in the act of committing a crime, the dog owner cannot be held liable for any injuries.
Potential Injuries Associated With Dog Bites
Dog bites or dog attacks can cause injuries of varying degrees of severity. A dog doesn’t even need to bite you to cause significant harm. Attempting to escape an aggressive dog could result in injuries and inflict substantial mental trauma. Here are some common injuries associated with dog bites:
- Puncture wounds
- Rabies
- Scrapes and scratches
- Bone fractures
- Sprains
- Eye injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Emotional trauma, etc.
When a dog bites or injures you, seek medical attention promptly, particularly if the dog is unfamiliar to you. Bacteria can exacerbate your injuries if left untreated.
Crucial Considerations in the Event of a Dog Bite Injury
The Dog Owners’ Liability Act in Ontario often imposes “strict liability,” meaning the animal’s owner will almost always be held responsible for an attack, regardless of whether the animal has a history of biting or if the owner is considered a responsible or negligent dog owner.
For those who suffer a dog bite, this liability means that even if there was little warning of an attack, and even if the owner attempted to prevent the attack, the owner would still be held accountable for the dog’s actions. If the owner is not present at the scene of the attack, such as when the dog is under the care of a neighbor, the owner’s liability remains in effect. The only exception to this rule is if a person is bitten by a dog on someone’s property while engaging in a criminal act.
Victims of dog attacks should be aware that although the dog owner will likely be held liable for the attack, the actions of both the owner and the victim could impact the amount of compensation awarded to the victim. Judges have the discretion to determine compensation for a dog bite victim, and if the judge finds that the victim provoked the dog, the compensation will likely be reduced.
Similarly, if the owner took steps to prevent the attack, such as trying to keep the dog away from the victim, those actions could lower the compensation the dog owner is required to pay. Other factors, such as the dog breed or whether the animal was on a leash or muzzled, could also affect compensation amounts.
Since determining compensation for a dog bite attack can be complex, victims should seek the services of a dog bite attorney who can help them fight for the maximum compensation available under the law. While dog bites are common, each case is unique, and it is only with an experienced legal representative that victims can expect their claims to be handled diligently and fairly.
Let Injury Lawyer For Car Accident Assist You With Your Personal Injury Claim
Dog bite victims may receive compensation when they file a personal injury claim. This amount would likely cover past and future medical expenses, which would significantly help anyone suffering from injury.
Injury Lawyer For Car Accident has an extensive background in personal injury law, having handled various personal injury cases, including dog bite cases, so you know you are in good hands.
If a dog bit you, our lawyers are here to help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.
HAVE YOU RECENTLY BEEN INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
OR CALL NOW FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Crucial Considerations in the Event of an Animal Bite
Dog Owner’s Liability
In Ontario, dog owner liability is often referred to as “strict liability,” meaning the animal’s owner will almost always be held responsible for an attack, regardless of whether the animal has a history of biting or if the owner is considered a responsible or negligent dog owner. For those who suffer a dog bite, this liability means that even if there was little warning of an attack, and even if the owner attempted to prevent the attack, the owner will still be held accountable for the dog’s actions. If the owner is not present at the scene of the attack, such as when the dog is under the care of a neighbor, the owner’s liability remains in effect. The only exception to this rule is if a person is bitten by a dog on someone’s property while engaging in a criminal act.
Compensation
However, victims of dog attacks should be aware that although the dog owner will likely be held liable for the attack, the actions of both the owner and the victim could impact the amount of compensation awarded to the victim. Judges have the discretion to determine compensation for a dog bite victim, and if the judge finds that the victim provoked the dog, the compensation will likely be reduced. Similarly, if the owner took steps to prevent the attack, such as trying to keep the dog away from the victim, those actions could lower the compensation the dog owner is required to pay. Other factors, such as the dog breed or whether the animal was on a leash or muzzled, could also affect compensation amounts. Since determining compensation for a dog bite attack can be complex, victims should seek the services of a dog bite attorney at Injury Lawyer For Car Accident who can help them fight for the maximum amount available under the law. While dog bites are common, each case is unique, and it is only with an experienced legal representative that victims can expect their case to be handled diligently and fairly.
FAQ
While some dog attacks may occur unprovoked, most aggressive behavior is triggered by certain factors. To avoid provoking a dog, respect their personal space, avoid direct eye contact, and remain calm. Refrain from running or making sudden movements that could be perceived as threatening.
It’s crucial to address aggressive tendencies as early as possible. Socialize your dog from a young age and expose them to various people and animals to help them become accustomed to different situations. Consider spaying or neutering your pet to reduce hormone-induced aggression. Additionally, provide your dog with proper care and ensure their needs are met, as a content dog is less likely to display aggressive behavior.
Compensation for dog bites typically covers medical expenses and lost income resulting from the injury. For a more accurate estimate and valuable guidance, consult a personal injury attorney at Injury Lawyer For Car Accident.
Yes, if the person is lawfully on your property, they can sue you if your dog bites them. However, they must prove that you were negligent or failed to provide adequate warning of the dog’s propensity to bite.
If your dog bites someone, the first step is to secure your dog to prevent further bites. Assist the victim in washing the wound with warm, soapy water and offer to contact a friend or family member on their behalf. Exchange contact information with the victim and provide your insurance details if applicable.
If there were witnesses, collect their contact information as well. Lastly, inform local authorities and comply with their instructions.
Yes, in most cases, dog owners are also responsible for any property damage caused by their dogs.
With an estimated 500,000 dog bites annually, resulting in one to two fatalities, dog bites are a significant concern in Canada. Children aged 5 to 9 are often the most frequent victims of dog bites.
In Ontario, certain breeds, including Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers, are not allowed to enter or travel through the province.
Although the city of Toronto also has restrictions on these breeds, they can transit through the area with advance notice to city officials.
Before the law banning these dog breeds was enacted in 2005, they were required to be sterilized, leashed, and muzzled in public.
The first priority after a dog attack is to seek medical attention, as dog bites can be extremely dangerous and may lead to infections.
After receiving medical care, follow these steps:
- Identify the dog owner and obtain their contact information.
- Document the details of the incident and take photos of your injuries.
- File a report and contact a dog bite lawyer at Injury Lawyer For Car Accident.