Ontario Dog Bite Laws
Dog bites or attacks can be a terrifying and traumatizing experience that leaves victims with physical injuries and emotional trauma. In Ontario, dog ownership is guided by the Dog Owners’ Liability Act. This law outlines the responsibilities of legal dog ownership and the victims’ rights.
Many dog bite victims find themselves overwhelmed and unsure of what to do after the attack. Understanding the specific laws related to dog bites and knowing the right steps to take can help you protect your rights and well-being. Consult a personal injury lawyer for legal representation and guidance.
Dog Owners’ Liability Act
In Ontario, your responsibility as a dog owner is clearly defined under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act. This law imposes strict liability, which means you may be legally responsible for a dog bite incident that involves your pet. The purpose of this strict liability rule is to ensure responsible pet ownership, protect dog bite victims, and ensure the injured victims have a clear path to seek compensation. However, there are some exceptions.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Most people are in shock after a dog bite or attack. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog or other domesticated animal, seek immediate medical treatment. Prompt professional treatment can improve your prognosis and prevent health complications such as rabies and sepsis. Even if you haven’t sustained severe injuries, seek medical attention.
Get the address, name, and contact information of the owner of the dog. It’s equally important to get contact information from any witnesses. If you intend to pursue compensation for injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages associated with dog bite claims, consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.
Note that you should call animal control immediately if you were bitten by a wild animal, a stray dog, an unknown animal that may be carrying rabies, or a dog with an unknown health history.
What Are the Consequences of a Dog Bite?
Some bites cause severe injuries requiring immediate medical attention, while others can lead to long-term complications. Here are the consequences of dog bites:
Physical Injuries
A dog bite injury is the most common harm associated with dog attacks. Victims often suffer scratches, bruises, or knockdown injuries if the dog jumps or pushes them to the ground. These injuries can range from minor to life-threatening.
Medical Expenses
Treatment for dog bites often involves costs such as vaccines, diagnostic tests, wound care, and professional medical fees. Pet or home insurance may be available to compensate a victim for medical expenses.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond physical harm, victims of dog bites may face significant emotional trauma. Fear of dangerous dogs, nightmares, and anxiety are common after such an event. This can negatively affect their daily life and well-being.
Health Complications
Some dog bite injuries can progress to dangerous infections if not treated quickly. For instance, an untreated bite can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Symptoms include extreme pain, confusion, abnormal body temperature, and severe fatigue.
Another common complication is tetanus. It can enter the victim’s bloodstream through a bite wound, causing jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and difficulty swallowing. If the dog has rabies, the virus can pass to the victim. Early signs of rabies include fever, headache, weakness, and itching around the bite site. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
Contact Our Injury Lawyers for Case Evaluation
Although most animals are friendly and provide companionship and emotional support, encounters can sometimes turn out to be not as expected. A skilled lawyer can help assess your case and provide guidance and advice.
Knowledgeable injury lawyers understand the strict liability approach that the legal system takes when handling dog bite cases. Schedule a free consultation and discuss your dog bite case with a skilled personal injury lawyer.
