Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bite Injuries

If you were recently the victim of a dog attack in Toronto and you have questions regarding your possible case, the dog attack lawyers at Taverniti | Vashishth LLP would be more than happy to assist you.

1. What should I do if I’ve been bitten or attacked by someone’s dog?

You should seek immediate medical attention and contact a dog bite personal injury lawyer in Toronto as soon as possible. Make sure you also take as many pictures as possible of the scene of the incident and of your injuries to help your lawyer build a strong case for you.

2. Who should I contact after a dog bite?

First, call an ambulance or someone you trust to take you to the hospital or your nearest medical clinic. Then, call the police and your lawyer. If the dog is a stray, you should also notify Animal Control.

3. Who is responsible if my dog bites someone?

As the owner, you’re liable for any injury or harm your dog inflicts upon another person.

4. Who is considered a dog owner?

A dog owner is classified as anyone who is in charge of caring for a canine. Where minors are concerned (anyone under the age of 18), the dog owner constitutes the legal guardian(s) or parent(s).

5. Can I sue the dog owner for injury or other damages?

Yes, you can certainly sue the dog owner for injury and other damages because they’re fully responsible for their dog’s behaviour and keeping the dog contained if they’re aware it has a violent history.

6. Can I receive compensation for a dog bite or attack?

Yes. The law in Toronto states that if your lawyer can successfully prove the dog owner’s negligence at the time of the dog bite injury, then they are liable to compensate you physical and mental pain and suffering, loss of income, and medical expenses related to the injury.

7. Can I receive compensation if the dog bite didn’t result in a physical injury but I suffered a mental or psychological injury?

Yes. There’s a very specific dog attack law in the Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act that adheres to mental or psychological suffering caused directly by this type of incident. Following thorough mental and psychological assessment to prove to the court that such is the case, you could receive compensation for general damages.

8. Will my insurance company cover my medical bills?

In most cases, the dog owner’s insurance company will have to cover your medical bills. If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, then they must cover the costs out of pocket.

9. How do I prove the dog that bit me was dangerous?

In some cases, it can be extremely difficult to prove that the dog was previously known to be dangerous. The best thing you can do is try to gather as much information about the dog as possible. Try talking to neighbours or delivery people in the area. You can also check with Animal Control or the police to find out if the dog has been previously reported for attacking people.

10. What happens if I was bitten by a stray dog?

In Toronto, it’s very difficult to pursue a dog attack claim involving stray dogs simply because you need to be able to prove that someone—either a government organization or person—was somehow either directly or indirectly responsible for the attack. For example, you might have a viable case if your lawyer can prove that the dog was reported to Animal Control for previously attacking someone and they released him despite the fact.

11. Does the location of the attack matter?

It doesn’t matter whether the attack occurred on private or public property. The location only matters insofar as assisting the police or Animal Control services in conducting their investigations into the matter.

12. How long does this type of claim typically take to resolve?

There’s no general timeline to demonstrate how long it will take to resolve or settle a dog attack injury claim in Toronto, Ontario. However, as with any other personal injury claim, there are strict time limitations in terms of when you should file the claim. The longer you wait, the more detrimental it could be to your case.

13. How should I contact your personal injury lawyers in Toronto?

You can contact our distinguished dog bite injury lawyers in Toronto by calling (905) 264-8686 or toll-free at 1-800-529-7032

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