Dog Bite Lawyer Toronto | Diamond & Diamond
The vast majority of animal bites are by dogs. However, cats, horses, and even exotic animals at zoos are occasionally involved. While many dog bites are likely to heal quickly, a serious injury can lead to permanent disfigurement and require surgery.
Unfortunately, children are the most common victims of dog attacks because of their natural curiosity and under-appreciation of the threat a dog can pose. Because of their small size, children are also more likely to suffer more extensive and serious injuries in an attack than adults.
Aside from the physical injuries sustained in an attack, dog bites can also lead to emotional trauma, especially for young children who may develop phobias of dogs and other animals that carry through into adulthood.
Because of Ontario’s strict liability laws surrounding dog owners, any victim of a dog bite should contact a personal injury lawyer from Diamond & Diamond to see what form of compensation may be available.
Common Forms of Dog Attacks
Dogs attack people for a variety of reasons. Often, they are driven by fear, sickness, or a need to protect their territory. Understanding these causes helps you keep yourself and your loved ones safe from injury.
Dog Bites
A dog bite is a singular bite from a dog towards a person or another animal. The dog could be a household pet, a neighbourhood dog, or a feral animal. It’s important to rush to the hospital immediately after a dog bite, especially if the dog is unknown or unvaccinated against rabies.
Injuries Sustained While Fleeing From Vicious Dogs
Aside from possible animal bites, running away from vicious dogs could also cause other injuries. You could end up with scrapes, bruises, sprains, and even fractures.
If the dog has an owner that has been proven negligent, they could end up liable for the harm caused by their dogs.
Animal Attacks in Private Homes and on Public Property
You might be at risk of an animal attack when in someone else’s home or when out in public, especially in dog parks. It’s important to watch your behaviour around certain animals, especially if they don’t know you very well. Dogs could be incredibly territorial, and it’s important not to agitate them further.
If the attack is directly due to the owner’s negligence, it is possible to file a lawsuit, although it could also be more convenient to settle the issue out of court.
However, if the dog attacks a person who is in the middle of committing a crime, the dog owner cannot be held liable for any injuries.
Possible Injuries Associated With Dog Bites
Dog bites or dog attacks could cause injuries with varying degrees of severity. A dog doesn’t even have to bite you to cause significant damage. Trying to escape an aggressive dog could injure you and inflict significant mental trauma. Here are some common injuries associated with dog bites:
- Puncture wounds
- Rabies
- Scrapes and scratches
- Bone fractures
- Sprains
- Eye injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Emotional damage, etc.
When a dog bites or injures you, seek medical attention immediately, especially if the dog is unknown to you. Bacteria might worsen your injuries when left untreated.
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What a Toronto Dog Bite Lawyer Can Do For You
If you’ve been bitten by a dog or animal and are seeking damages, our personal injury dog bite lawyers can help. You can ask a dog bite injury lawyer for help when you file for a dog bite claim. We have representation across Ontario, Canada, including.
Important Things to Keep in Mind in the Event of a Dog Bite Injury
The Dog Owners’ Liability Act in Ontario often specifies “strict liability,” which means the owner of the animal will almost always be held liable for an attack, regardless of whether the animal has a history of biting or if the owner is a good or negligent dog owner.
For those who suffer a dog bite, this liability means that even if there was little warning of an attack, and even if the owner tried to prevent the attack, the owner would still be held liable for the dog’s actions. If the owner is not present at the scene of the attack, such as when the dog is being cared for by a neighbor, the owner’s liability still stands. The only exception to this rule is if a person is bitten by a dog on a person’s property while committing a criminal act.
Victims of dog attacks need to be aware that although the dog owner will likely be held liable for the attack, the actions of both the owner and the victim could have an impact on the amount of compensation due to the victim. Judges are free to use their discretion when awarding compensation to a dog bite victim, and if the judge determines that the victim provoked the dog, it will likely be reduced.
Likewise, if the owner took action to prevent the attack, such as trying to keep the dog away from the victim, then those actions could lower the compensation the dog owner is liable to pay. Other actions, such as the dog breed or whether the animal was on a leash or muzzled, could also affect compensation amounts.
Since determining compensation for a dog bite attack can get complicated, victims should seek out the services of a dog bite lawyer who can help the client fight for the maximum compensation available under the law. While dog bites are common, every case is unique, and it is only with an experienced legal representative that victims can expect their claims to be handled diligently and fairly.
Let Diamond & Diamond Assist You With Your Personal Injury Claim
Dog bite victims may receive compensation when they file a personal injury claim. This amount would likely cover past and future medical expenses, which would significantly help anyone suffering from injury.
If you or your loved one sustained a dog bite injury, call our dog bite injury lawyer at 1-800-567-4878 today for a free consultation. You could also visit our law firm to seek legal advice for your dog bite case in person.
Diamond and Diamond has an extensive background in personal injury law, having handled various personal injury cases, including dog bite cases, so you know you are in good hands.
If a dog bit you, our lawyers are here to help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.
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Important Things to Keep in Mind in the Event of an Animal Bite
Dog owner liability in Ontario is often referred to as “strict liability”, meaning the owner of the animal will almost always be held liable for an attack, regardless of whether the animal has a history of biting or if the owner is a good or negligent dog owner. For those who suffer a dog bite, this liability means that even if there was little warning of an attack, and even if the owner tried to prevent the attack, that owner will still be held liable for the dog’s actions. If the owner is not present at the scene of the attack, such as when the dog is being cared for by a neighbor, then the owner’s liability still stands. The only exception to this rule is if a person is bitten by a dog on a person’s property while committing a criminal act.
What victims of dog attacks need to be aware of, however, is that although the dog owner will likely be held liable for the attack, the actions of both the owner and the victim could have an impact on the amount of compensation that is due to the victim. Judges are free to use their discretion when awarding compensation to a dog bite victim, and if the judge determines that the victim provoked the dog, then the compensation is likely to be reduced. Likewise, if the owner took action to prevent the attack, such as trying to keep the dog away from the victim, then those actions could lower the amount of compensation the dog owner is liable to pay. Other actions, such as the dog breed or whether the animal was on a leash or muzzled, could also affect compensation amounts. Because determining compensation for a dog bite attack can get complicated, victims should seek out the services of a dog bite lawyer who can help the client fight for the maximum amount available under the law. While dog bites are common, every case is unique and it is only with an experienced legal representative that victims can expect their case to be handled diligently and fairly.
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