Should I hire a Personal Injury Lawyer if I’ve been attacked by a Dog?

04 Oct Should I hire a Personal Injury Lawyer if I’ve been attacked by a Dog?

Most of us feel that our dogs are man’s best friend as well as a family member that we would do anything for as though they were our own children. Unfortunately, despite the gentle nature of some breeds, people still get attacked and bitten, sometimes severely. In Ontario Province, there are reports of dog bites ranging from minor abrasions to the more serious cases involving permanent injuries, scarring, and in the most extreme cases, death of the victim. Ironically, not all dog attacks are caused by aggressive or dangerous breeds.

What you have to remember is that dog bites not only cause physical scarring, they leave emotional scars that can last a person the rest of their life. If you have recently been seriously injured when you were bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In most cases, it pays to have an experienced dog bite lawyer in Toronto and their legal team to help you with your claim and represent your case in court or at the negotiating table. You may still be entitled to compensation even if you were bitten by a friendly or smaller dog.

Liability of Dog Owners

The Dog Owners Liability Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16) of Ontario Province makes dog owners liable for damages if their animal attacks or bites another individual or domesticated animal. If there is another owner, they will be “jointly and severally liable” for all damages and injuries resulting from the attack. Ironically, a dog owner’s liability is not dependent upon whether or not he or she was aware of the animal’s behavioral tendencies. This has an important role to play when the case is under review in the court as there are many aspects to consider.

However, there’s an exception when a dog bites another individual who is on their property committing a crime or intending to commit a crime – unless the dog was kept on the premises to protect people and property in an unreasonable manner (R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16, s. 3 [2]). In the simplest of terms, if you own a dog that is prone to attacking and biting other individuals, you will be held liable under the Dog Owner’s Liability Act.

Get the Compensation You’re deserving of

In any event, dog bites can entail injuries ranging from minor to severe or even fatal. There could be permanent scarring involved, not to mention the emotional scars that never really heal. This is why it is so important to hire and rely on the experience and skills of a highly experienced and knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Toronto and their legal team. A personal injury lawyer will represent you aggressively, whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table. Most importantly, that personal injury lawyer will work diligently to see that justice is done and your rights are protected.