Ottawa Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites and attacks can often be traumatic. It is common for victims to experience severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial distress that can have a devastating impact on their lives for years to come.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured by a dog, the Ottawa bog bite lawyers at SG Injury Law can help. You may be faced with significant medical expenses and financial difficulties. We are highly experienced in Ottawa dog bite laws and dog bite cases. Our Ottawa personal injury lawyers can help recover the compensation you need to cover your costs and get back to your life. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to get started today.
Common Injuries Seen After Dog Bites in Ottawa
Being bitten or attacked by a dog can result in grievous injuries, some of which include:
- Scarring
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Infection
- Emotional trauma
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Compound fractures
- Broken bones
When a young person is attacked the consequences are often even more devastating. Children, especially very young children, do not recognize when a dog may be showing signs of aggression. When they are attacked, they lack the strength to fight the animal off and typically suffer serious wounds to the face, neck, and extremities.
Liability for Dog Bite Injuries in Ottawa
Dogs are unpredictable in nature. Even a seemingly friendly dog can become violent and aggressive at a moment’s notice. Under Ontario Law (R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER D.16), dog owners are liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal. This liability does not depend upon prior knowledge of aggression or on negligence on the part of the owner. This is known as strict liability. However, the court will reduce the damages awarded to a dog bite victim in proportion to the degree, if any, their fault contributed to the incident and their resulting damages.
Evidence to Support Your Ottawa Dog Bite Claims
If you are bitten by a dog in Ottawa or anywhere in Eastern Ontario, in order to obtain compensation, you need to make sure to get the name of the dog owner. This may be a simple task, especially if you are bitten at somebody’s home or on their premises. It becomes more complicated if you are bitten in a public place and by a dog you have never seen before.
Before contacting a dog bite lawyer it is helpful not only to obtain the name and address of the dog owner, but also the names and contact information of any witnesses. You should also take photographs of the wounds that you suffered and seek medical attention if needed.
Compensation for Ottawa Dog Bite Injury Victims
In most cases, compensation in dog bite cases comes through an insurance policy held by the owner or owners of the dog. Under Ontario law, dog bite victims may be entitled to damages for:
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of household services
- Out of pocket healthcare expenses
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
However, insurance companies do not always deal with injury victims in good faith. An Ottawa dog bite lawyer can help investigate the facts, determine the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs, and fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Meet With a Dog Bite Lawyer in Ottawa
Dog bite injuries are often far more impactful than many people realize. Your dedicated Ottawa dog bite lawyer at SG Injury Law will work tirelessly to ensure that you are awarded full and fair compensation for your damages.
Find out what is next for your case when you schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation. You can get started on your case as soon as today when you fill out our online contact form or give our office a call at (613) 518-2416.