Every year in Ontario, dog bites and attacks occur. Many of us here are devoted dog lovers and firmly believe that when a dog acts aggressively and causes harm, it’s primarily the owner’s responsibility, regardless of the breed. Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act protects you and your children in the event of a significant dog bite injury. The Act outlines the situations in which you can pursue compensation from a negligent dog owner. This compensation can be crucial for addressing your or your child’s medical and emotional needs, including necessary surgery or counselling. Our company motor vehicle accident personal injury claim is ready to help you in any situation
However, it’s important to note that even after a severe dog bite or attack, securing compensation is not guaranteed. An owner might attempt to evade responsibility using common defense tactics, such as claiming you were trespassing at the time of the attack or denying their dog’s involvement. This underscores the urgency of taking swift action after such an incident, even if the dog belongs to a neighbor or someone you know.
According to a five-year study by the University of Alberta, in cases involving children, the mean age of dog bite victims was seven years old, and the most frequently bitten area was the face. Ensuring financial and psychological recovery, especially for a child, should begin promptly. The four steps outlined below are designed to safeguard your rights to fair financial and medical recovery after an act of negligence.
STEP ONE: SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION
Dog bite injuries carry a serious risk of infection and scarring. Even seemingly minor wounds can harbor harmful bacteria or viruses. Seek immediate medical attention and stay in touch with your doctors for follow-up care.
Keep records of all medical treatments and track the progress of your injuries. For example, photographs of the bite wound can be valuable for assessing potential scarring or disfigurement.
STEP TWO: REPORT THE ATTACK/BITE
After securing necessary medical treatment, it’s crucial to report the dog bite or attack to the appropriate authorities. This may involve contacting local police for guidance on the correct point of contact. For instance, if the incident occurred in Toronto, reporting the bite to Toronto Animal Service at (416) 338-7297 is essential.
STEP THREE: SECURE EVIDENCE OF THE ATTACK
A dog bite claim requires evidence, such as:
Photos of injuries;
Witness testimony;
Proof of ownership;
Police report; and
Medical records.
A vehicle injury lawyers can assist you in the collection of such evidence before it becomes difficult or impossible to obtain. It’s important to get started early to preserve evidence so it’s available to use when filing a claim.
