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Dog Bites can be painful & often leave life-long scars and injury.
Let us help you in holding those responsible & paying you for your injuries.
Dog Bite Personal Injury Lawsuit Help
Dog bites can have severe and lasting impacts on victims. At GotInjured.ca, we are dedicated to advocating for those who have suffered from dog bite injuries. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation from insurance companies and responsible parties to alleviate your stress and provide financial stability. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay unless we win your case. Trust GotInjured.ca to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.
Puncture Wounds
Deep bites that penetrate the skin, often causing significant pain and the risk of infection.
Infections
Including serious bacterial infections like cellulitis or more severe ones such as rabies or tetanus.
Permanent marks or deformities that can affect a victim’s appearance and emotional well-being.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Lacerations and Abrasions
Cuts and tears in the skin that may require stitches or surgery.
Nerve Damage
Bites that damage nerves can lead to loss of function or sensation in the affected area.
Severe bites can cause fractures, particularly in children who are more vulnerable.
Broken Bones
Soft Tissue Damage
Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments that can impair movement and function.
Psychological Trauma
Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD can result from a traumatic dog bite incident.
Injuries that prevent a victim from working, leading to financial hardship and requiring compensation for lost wages.
Loss of Income
Dog Bite Lawyers in the Greater Toronto Area
Important Things to Keep in Mind in the Event of a Dog Bite Injury
Compassionate Legal Support for Dog Bite Victims
At GotInjured.ca, we understand that a dog bite can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve. We provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring that your rights are protected and your recovery is prioritized.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s crucial to take immediate action:
Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting prompt medical treatment.
Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries and the scene, and gather contact information from witnesses.
Report the Bite: Notify local animal control authorities about the incident.
Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to our experienced personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
Who is Liable?
In Ontario, dog owners are typically held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means that the owner is responsible for the bite, regardless of the dog's previous behavior or the owner's knowledge of any aggressive tendencies.
Types of Compensation
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses: Covering the cost of emergency care, surgeries, medications, and future medical treatments.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent physical changes and their psychological impact.
Loss of Quality of Life: Damages for the negative impact on the ability to enjoy life and participate in activities.
Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Covering physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling.
Property Damage: Compensation for personal property damaged during the incident.
Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious behavior by the dog owner, additional damages to punish and deter similar conduct.
Household Services: Reimbursement for the cost of hiring help for household tasks.
Legal Costs: Coverage of legal expenses, including attorney fees and court costs.
Comprehensive Coverage of Dog Bite Cases
Our experienced legal team addresses all aspects of dog bite cases to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. We handle:
Liability Determination: Establishing who is legally responsible for the dog bite is crucial. GotInjured.ca will gather evidence, such as witness statements and animal control reports, to build a strong case for liability against the dog owner.
Medical Expenses: Our lawyers will ensure that all medical costs related to the injury are covered, including emergency treatment, surgeries, ongoing medical care, and any necessary future treatments. We work closely with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering: We understand that dog bites cause significant physical and emotional pain. Our team will quantify your pain and suffering to seek appropriate compensation that reflects the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
Lost Wages: If your injury has prevented you from working, we will help you recover lost wages. This includes not only your immediate loss of income but also any future loss of earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work in the long term.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scars and disfigurement can have lasting physical and psychological effects. GotInjured.ca will seek compensation for these enduring impacts, including the cost of potential future cosmetic surgeries.
Psychological Impact: Dog bites can result in trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. We will ensure that these psychological effects are considered in your claim, including the costs of counseling and therapy.
Children and Dog Bites: Cases involving minors require special attention. Our team is experienced in handling sensitive cases involving children, ensuring that their unique needs and long-term welfare are addressed in the compensation claim.
Insurance Claims: Navigating insurance claims can be complex. We will handle all communications with the dog owner’s insurance company, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement without the stress of dealing with insurers directly.
Dog Owner's Liability: We will explore all aspects of the dog owner’s responsibility, including their knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior and compliance with local leash laws, to strengthen your case.
Statutory Obligations: Our team is well-versed in Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act and will ensure that all legal obligations are met, providing a solid foundation for your claim.
Negligence Claims: Proving negligence can enhance your compensation. We will investigate whether the dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack, such as proper restraint or training of the dog.
Strict Liability: In Ontario, dog owners can be held strictly liable for bites, meaning they are responsible regardless of prior knowledge of the dog’s behavior. We will leverage this legal principle to your advantage.
Settlement Negotiations: Our skilled negotiators will work to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Litigation Process: If litigation is necessary, our experienced trial lawyers will represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Expert Witnesses: Utilizing experts, such as medical professionals and animal behaviorists, can strengthen your case. We will coordinate with these experts to provide testimony that supports your claim.
Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or malicious behavior by the dog owner, we will seek punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Animal Control Laws: Understanding local and municipal laws regarding dog control is crucial. Our team will ensure that all relevant laws are applied to your case, supporting your claim for compensation.
Comparative Fault: If there is any question of your actions contributing to the incident, we will work to mitigate these claims and focus on the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Emergency Response: Prompt action is vital in dog bite cases. We will provide immediate legal advice and support to ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect your rights from the outset.
Long-term Care and Rehabilitation: Severe injuries may require long-term care and rehabilitation. We will ensure that these future costs are fully covered in your compensation claim, providing for your ongoing recovery needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do immediately after a dog bite? Seek medical attention, document the incident, gather witness information, and report the bite to local authorities.
2. Who is liable for a dog bite injury? Dog owners are generally held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs in Ontario.
3. What compensation can I claim? Victims can claim for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, loss of quality of life, rehabilitation costs, property damage, punitive damages, household services, and legal costs.
4. How long do I have to file a claim? You have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim in Ontario.
5. Do I need a lawyer? While not legally required, hiring a lawyer can help maximize your compensation and navigate legal complexities.
6. Can a claim be settled out of court? Yes, many dog bite claims are settled through negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company.
7. What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog? Provocation must be proven and can reduce compensation; a lawyer can help dispute such claims.
8. Can I claim if the bite occurred on private property? Yes, dog owners are liable for bites on both private and public property.
9. What should I do if contacted by the insurance company? Speak with a lawyer before providing any statements to the insurance company.
10. What are the long-term effects of a dog bite? Long-term effects can include chronic pain, infections, scarring, and psychological trauma.
Quantum of Damages
The compensation for dog bite injuries can vary widely based on the severity of the injury, the circumstances of the incident, and the impact on the victim’s life. Generally, victims can expect:
Minor Injuries: $5,000 to $25,000
Moderate Injuries: $25,000 to $75,000
Severe Injuries: $75,000 to $150,000
Catastrophic Injuries: $150,000 and above
These figures are approximate and can differ based on individual case factors. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer at GotInjured.ca will provide a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation.
Why Choose GotInjured.ca?
Our firm is committed to providing personal and compassionate legal support. With extensive experience in dog bite cases, we work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation possible. We offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, contact GotInjured.ca for a free consultation. Let us help you on the path to recovery and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us at +1 (866) 877-8666 or email us at contact@gotinjured.ca to schedule your free consultation today.