Do You Need a Lawyer? – Consult a Law Firm Experienced in Dog
Bite Injuries
We love our furry friends. From the biggest dog, to the
smallest hamster, keeping pets can be a great source of comfort and
companionship for humans. But what happens when owners lose control and pets
become a menace? Although they’re often called "man’s best friend”, some dogs
can, in actuality, become threatened by and threatening to humans. Many dogs
are docile and sweet, but an angry dog can be scary, to say the least. In 2010,
379 dog attacks were reported in the city of Toronto alone. Dealing with a dog
bite is no laughing matter – dog bites can result in rabies and other kinds of
infectious diseases. Here’s what to do if you or someone you know has been
bitten by a dog, from the moment of the initial incident to when it’s time to
call a law firm.
- First things first: get away from the dog. If
possible, try to keep the animal contained, but be sure not to anger it further
or risk personal injury while doing so.
- Don’t panic. Keep the wound elevated and attempt
to rinse it with clean tap water. Try to wash away any dirt surrounding the
bite, since dirt can lead to infection.
- If the skin has been punctured, make sure to get
the dog bite victim to a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Know your rights. In Ontario, dog owners are
held responsible for their pets’ actions, regardless of whether or not the dog
was known to be previously aggressive. Find a law firm experienced in
personal injury and schedule a consultation to find out whether you’re eligible
for a settlement from the animal’s owner. Try to find a firm that employs trial
lawyers specifically, in the case that the animal’s owner is not interested in
settling.
No matter how much we love them (and how many
bacon-flavoured treats we give them!), it’s important to remember that dogs are
animals and are therefore sometimes unpredictable. Just like humans, dogs can
have bad days, and sometimes, their tempers can get the best of them. For the
most part, dogs aren’t menacing creatures, but it is always wise to keep your
wits about you when dealing with animals, especially if the animal doesn’t know
you or your family.
Here are some tips to prevent an attack that has resulted in
a dog bite:
- Let sleeping dogs lie. The old adage exists for
a reason: Don’t disturb a dog while it’s sleeping or eating, especially if you
don’t know it.
- Don’t approach strange dogs tied up in public
places, especially if you suspect the dog might be a stray (if it is particularly
mangy, for example, or doesn’t have a collar).
- Think from the dog’s perspective. Don’t come at
it aggressively – lower yourself down to its level and let it check you out
before getting too close.
- Young children particularly may want to cuddle up
to a dog, but make sure to never leave children alone with strange dogs. You
never know when a dog may become angry or threatened and bite.