Ryan Findlay | October 11, 2024 | Dog Bites
What Are the Laws About Dog Bites in Ontario?
Dog bites can be frightening and often result in serious injuries. A dog bite can leave you or a loved one with painful wounds, significant medical expenses, and emotional trauma. Many victims find themselves overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take following an attack. Understanding Ontario’s laws on dog bites and knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can help you protect your health, rights, and financial well-being.
Here, we’ll walk you through Ontario’s legal framework regarding dog bites, what your rights are as a victim, and the essential steps you should take after a dog bite incident.
Dog Bite Laws in Ontario
Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act protects victims after a dog attack. The law holds dog owners liable for all damages caused by their dog attacking another domestic animal or person.
To successfully bring a dog bite case, the injured party must show:
- The defendant’s dog bit another domestic animal or a person;
- The dog behaved in a way that poses a threat to people or domestic animals; or
- The dog owner did not take reasonable precautions to keep the dog from biting or being a menace to safety.
When a victim proves these elements, the dog owner is responsible for all damages caused by the bite.
Common Damages After a Dog Attack
Dog bites can lead to significant injuries and medical expenses. If the pet owner has pet insurance, this could help cover some medical expenses. However, many pet owners do not carry pet insurance. In addition to physically injuring victims, dog bites cause emotional trauma. Dog attacks are traumatic events that frequently lead to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish. Luckily, victims can collect damages for all medical expenses and their non-pecuniary damages, like pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Many people are in shock after a dog attack. Knowing what to do after being attacked can help make things go smoothly and lead to better results. Here’s a checklist of what to do if you or a family member is attacked by a dog.
- Seek medical treatment. Promptly getting medical care improves your long-term prognosis and can help prevent complications. Some possible complications after dog bites are sepsis, rabies, and capnocytophaga.
- Get the name and contact information of the dog owner. You should also get the name and contact information of any eyewitnesses.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer. A lawyer can evaluate your case and discuss applicable laws. An experienced personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering.
Many dog bite cases can be settled out of court. Even in these cases, it’s helpful to work with a lawyer. A lawyer understands local dog bite laws, can help calculate damages, and will maximize your settlement. Plus, if the dog owner or their insurance company is not being reasonable, your lawyer will reject the settlement offer and take them to court.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Ontario, Canada
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a dog bite in Hamilton, Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers are here to provide the support and legal guidance you need. Our experienced team understands the physical, emotional, and financial impact that a dog attack can have on your life, and we’re dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to take action—contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve.
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Hamilton, ON
20 Hughson St S #510, Hamilton, ON L8N 2A1
(905) 522-9799
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Brantford, ON
325 West St #102a, Brantford, ON N3R 3V6
(226) 401-5433
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Burlington, ON
2349 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7R 2E3
(289) 512-0829
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – St Catharines, ON
55 King St Suite 207, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3H5
(289) 301-9496