Dog Bite Injuries: Liability and Compensation in Ontario

July 23, 2024, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Dog bites can be traumatic experiences that often result in serious physical and emotional injuries. In Ontario, the law provides clear guidelines on liability and compensation for dog bite victims. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, it's crucial to understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

Liability for Dog Bites in Ontario

Ontario follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bite cases, as outlined in the Dog Owners' Liability Act. This means that dog owners are held responsible for any damages resulting from their dog biting or attacking another person or domestic animal, regardless of whether they knew their dog had aggressive tendencies or if they were negligent in any way.

The Act defines an "owner" broadly, including not only the legal owner but also anyone who possesses or harbours the dog. In cases where there are multiple owners, they can be held jointly and severally liable, allowing the injured party to claim full damages from any of the owners.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

If you've been bitten or attacked by a dog in Ontario, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Physical injuries and related medical expenses
• Psychological trauma and counselling costs
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Pain and suffering
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the incident
• Property damage (if applicable)

The amount of compensation can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your life.

Proving Your Dog Bite Claim

While Ontario's strict liability rule makes it relatively straightforward for victims to establish a dog bite claim, it's still important to gather evidence to support your case. This may include:

• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Photographs of the injuries and incident scene
• Witness statements
• Animal control reports
• Documentation of any lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses

It's worth noting that even though the dog owner is generally liable, the court may reduce the damages awarded if it's found that the victim's actions contributed to the incident. This concept, known as contributory negligence, emphasizes the importance of presenting a strong case to maximize your compensation.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Given the complexities of dog bite cases and the potential for significant compensation, it's advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our skilled lawyers can help you navigate the legal process, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Our firm specializes in dog bite injury cases and has a proven track record of securing favourable outcomes for our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog bite can take on victims and their families, and we're committed to fighting for your rights.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Ontario, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for a free consultation. We'll assess your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through every step of the claims process. Remember, time limits apply to personal injury claims, so it's important to act promptly to protect your rights.

Don't let a dog bite injury impact your life without proper compensation. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today to learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.