There are approximately four million dogs in Canada, and dog bites constitute a complex health problem, with more than 500,000 incidents of dog attacks every year. Injuries can range in severity and may require recovery time.
Learn more about how personal injury lawyers can help you start the claim process.
Article Written by: Glenna M.
Legal Options for Dog Bites in Ontario
Have you or someone you love been bitten by a dog? In Ontario, any time a dog bites, the owner (or owners) is held responsible. Sometimes a dog bite can cause you to be unable to work for a period of time, resulting in lost wages. A bite can cause pain and suffering and require you to spend money on medication or even reconstructive surgery. The trauma of a dog bite can create a fear of dogs that impacts your life. A dog bite can even cause permanent damage such as nerve damage or scarring. If any of these situations applies to you, you may be able to recover damages from the dog’s owner. A court may also order the owner to confine the dog to its own yard in order to prevent further incidents, or even order the owner to surrender the dog and refrain from owning dogs in future.
As soon as the medical side of things has been taken care of following a dog bite incident, compile as much information as possible. If the owner is present, get his or her contact information, as well as contact information for the dog’s veterinarian and any witnesses who might be present. If possible, take a photo of the dog. Also take a photo of the wound as soon as possible.
See a physician promptly, and have him/her document the injuries. Once you know the severity of the bite, you can explore your legal options.
When you begin looking for legal advice, you’ll need to contact a law firm that has experience with personal injury cases. These cases are complex and the paperwork is exacting, so it’s necessary to work with a lawyer who is knowledgeable about personal injury law and insurance company documentation rules. Because these types of cases may require time-sensitive filing, you should talk to a lawyer as soon after the incident as possible.
Damages are awarded according to several factors, including the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the incident. For example, if the owner knew that the dog had a propensity to bite but did not take sufficient precautions, damages awarded might be greater. If, on the other hand, the victim was seen provoking the dog or acting imprudently, damages may be reduced.
Dog Bites in Toronto
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, take these steps immediately:
- Remove yourself to a safe place, away from the dog and the possibility of further attack.
- If the wound is bleeding profusely, or if it is on your neck, call 911 immediately.
- If you have a puncture wound that is bleeding but not posing a danger, let it bleed for about five minutes to let the blood flow help to cleanse it. Then attempt to stop the bleeding by applying pressure. If it doesn’t stop bleeding, call 911.
- If the wound stops bleeding after you apply pressure, rinse under running water and cleanse with soap. See your doctor for follow-up, as dog bites carry great risk for infection.
- If it is just a superficial wound, clean it with running water, and then treat with hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol. Apply an antibiotic salve and wrap in a clean bandage.
If you have any questions about whether or not you need medical attention, please seek help; sometimes the damage done by a dog bite is more extensive than it appears. It’s also very important to remember that if the dog that bit you or its health history is unknown to you, you must start treatment for rabies immediately. See a medical provider, and call Toronto Animal Services at 416-338-7297 to report the bite.
Dog Bites in Canada
There are approximately four million dogs in Canada, and dog bites constitute a complex health problem, with more than 500,000 incidents of dog attacks every year. Many of the bites are severe, and one or two deaths each year can be attributed to dog attacks. The majority of dog bite victims are children. Dogs are territorial, and because children are small, they may feel a need to assert their dominance over them.
Children may also not be able to understand how to behave properly around a dog, pulling its tail, rushing at it, or startling it. In addition, because a child’s head and face are closer to the dog’s level, the child may suffer bites to these delicate areas. Because a severe dog bite can have a greater physical and psychological effect on a child, these cases are considered the most heinous.
In Toronto, a ban on certain dog breeds has been enacted, and although the ban has not produced a reduction in bite incidents, advocates argue that the severity of the incidents has been impacted. The best way to avoid dog bites is to practice caution around them, particularly animals that you don’t know. Be polite and respect the dog's “personal” space. Never approach an unfamiliar dog who is leashed or confined. Don't disturb a dog while they are sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
Think you may have a case? Injury firms in Toronto can help you begin the process of filing a claim so that you can focus on recovery.
Personal Injury Law Firms like Sokoloff Lawyers exist to help take the confusion out of what to do next in these kinds of situations.
Book a Free Consultation today to learn more about the compensation options available to you.