Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
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Dog bites can leave physical, emotional, and financial scars that last a lifetime. Our experienced lawyers understand the impact these attacks have on victims and their families. We are here to help you pursue accountability and secure the resources needed to recover.
Understanding Dog Bite Injuries in Ontario
Dog bites can happen unexpectedly and often leave victims dealing with severe physical and emotional harm. In Ontario, under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA), dog owners are legally responsible for any harm their animal causes, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive behaviour in the past.
If you or a loved one has been bitten, it’s critical to seek medical attention right away, as doing so can reduce the risk of infection and support your recovery. Once you’ve immediately addressed your health, speaking with our team at Bergeron Clifford can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.
Common Causes and Contributing Factors
Dog attacks can occur in many settings, particularly when owners fail to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. Understanding how these incidents occur is crucial for protecting yourself and others who may be at risk of injury from a dog.
Negligent Ownership
Dog owners who neglect to train or socialize their pets risk increasing their aggressive behaviours. Some owners may ignore early warning signs of aggression or fail to address a dog’s history of biting, putting others in danger.
Failure to Warn
If a dog owner is aware that their pet has a tendency to bite or attack, they have a responsibility to inform visitors of any potential risks their pet may pose. Victims who suffer an attack are eligible to file a claim, as a clear warning could potentially prevent future attacks.
Lack of Proper Restraint
Municipal bylaws, such as those in Ottawa, require dogs to be on a leash in public spaces to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and others. Under the Government of Ontario, dogs must be properly contained on private property, including adequate fencing to prevent them from escaping and causing injury.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can range from minor wounds to life-altering trauma. Regardless of severity, these injuries often require both medical care and legal support to address the physical, emotional, and financial impact.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds and tearing of the skin.
- Infections: Infections such as rabies, tetanus, or sepsis can develop quickly if left untreated, sometimes resulting in serious complications.
- Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement: Scars and disfigurement can result from deep wounds, especially when bites occur on visible areas like the face, hands, or arms. According to research conducted at a pediatric trauma centre, 12 out of 45 patients who suffered a dog attack were left with unfavourable scarring.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Fear of animals and social withdrawal are common psychological effects. According to studies, these symptoms, along with nightmares, can occur in children.
Fatal Dog Attacks
While fatal dog attacks are uncommon, they leave families with unimaginable grief and loss. In Ontario, families who have lost a loved one in a deadly attack may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This legal action can help cover funeral costs, loss of income, emotional suffering, and other financial burdens.
Ontario law allows certain relatives, including spouses, parents, and children, to pursue these claims. Establishing liability is often more straightforward in dog attack cases due to the strict nature of the Dog Owners’ Liability Act.
Legal Options for Dog Bite Victims
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Ontario, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for a range of losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and costs related to physical rehabilitation.
Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act places strict liability on dog owners. While the law is clear, insurers may still attempt to minimize your claim or argue shared liability.
Working with an experienced legal team is key to overcoming these challenges and building a strong case. We understand the nuances of the DOLA and know how to advocate for the full scope of your injuries and losses.
Working with a Professional Legal Team
Dog bite cases may seem straightforward, but they can quickly become complex. Our lawyers bring a wealth of experience in handling personal injury claims involving serious injuries and long-term consequences.
At Bergeron Clifford, we build every case with the support of medical professionals, rehabilitation experts, and investigators. This team approach enables us to assess the impact of your injuries and advocate for the fair compensation you deserve.
We prepare every case as if it will proceed to trial. That preparation often leads to better results, whether your case is settled or proceeds to court.
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog attack, you don’t need to face the next steps alone. Our team is here to guide you, protect your rights, and help you access the resources you need to recover. Book a free consultation with our lawyers to discuss your situation and explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating Ontario’s legal system after a dog attack isn’t easy, especially when insurers try to minimize your claim. A lawyer who understands the Dog Owners’ Liability Act can help you build a strong case, advocate for your recovery, and ensure no detail is overlooked.
You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and therapy. In more serious cases, claims may also include costs related to disfigurement or psychological trauma.
Yes. Ontario law imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning they are legally responsible for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether they knew the dog could be dangerous.
According to the Ontario Limitations Act, you have two years from the date of the attack to pursue legal action. There are exceptions for minors or in cases where the injury wasn’t immediately apparent.
Even if the dog owner claims provocation, Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act still places primary responsibility on the owner. While your actions may be considered when determining the extent of liability, the owner is still strictly liable for injuries.
If your child is bitten by a dog, seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection and treat visible wounds. Once your child’s health is stabilized, it’s important to contact our firm, where our dog bite injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options. Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act holds the dog owner responsible, and your family may be entitled to compensation for your child’s physical and emotional recovery.
Yes. As a parent or legal guardian, you can file a personal injury claim on behalf of your child. Compensation may cover medical treatment, therapy, future care, and emotional trauma, including any long-term impact such as scarring or anxiety. Since minors cannot file legal claims on their own, the Ontario Limitations Act allows for additional time beyond the standard two-year window, giving families the opportunity to pursue justice.
