More Information on Dog Bites and Damages - Following Dog Bite Lawyer’s Series on Dogs and Personal Injury Ottawa dog bite lawyers

More Information on Dog Bites and Damages - Following Dog Bite Lawyer’s Series on Dogs and Personal Injury

While dogs are considered man's best friend, they are also capable of causing serious and permanent injury if they bite or attack, especially if the bite or attack involves children. Dogs provide companionship, security and a source of friendship which are all positive attributes. However, when dogs attack, the consequences can be devastating. Dogs are animals and have to be treated as such. They are capable of changing their behaviour in an instant and if challenged, angered or without provocation at all, they can attack. What actually sets off a dog to attack and/or to bite is limitless.

At Plant Quinn Thiele, LLP, we see many cases of dog attacks which were unpredictable. They can occur anywhere. They can occur with dogs, at large, on leashes or even tied to a post. If a dog can reach you, they can attack and bite. Some attacks occur at home, others at friends homes and in other cases in the streets, parks and in stores.

If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite or dog attack, you are entitled to compensation. In Ontario, the law is clear - if you are injured by a dog, you get compensated - it is that simple. The issue is really only the amount of compensation, not if compensation will be paid. Dog bites and attacks are considered a special form of negligence called “strict” liability torts, which protect victims. In addition, a person injured by a dog may also seek compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation legislation. Not only are dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dog, land owners who allow dogs of others on their property can also be held liable under usual negligence principles such as the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act and the Occupier’s Liability Act. The only exception to the usual rules of dogs and liability are cases involving being injured by a dog while committing an illegal act or where the dog was provoked significantly and purposely. If you have purposely provoked a dog to become angry and it attacks you, the dog owner will not be necessarily, but will likely still be partially, responsible for the damage or injury caused by the dog.

The owner of a dog must take care to protect others from their dog or they will be held liable for the damages which the dog has inflicted, including damage to the person or to property. Dog owners can be held liable for any type of damages. There is no limit on what types of damages you can claim if injured by a dog. You may seek general damages for pain and suffering, special damages such as loss of income, recovery of expenses such as medical expenses, out of pocket expenses, travel expenses, counselling costs, etc... and the list goes on.

If you have been injured by a dog, you would be well served to obtain information from one of our dog bite lawyers. We are experts on dog bite cases. With the right knowledge, you can create options or yourself and decide if you want to pursue a claim for compensation as a result of a dog bite or attack. At Plant Quinn Thiele LLP, we provide this legal advice free of charge and if retained to pursue compensation on your behalf, we charge nothing unless we win your case - and, we almost always win!

If you are a victim of a dog bite or dog attack, contact us for a free consultation at 613-315-HURT or 613-315-4878. Marc N. Quinn, Dog Bite Lawyer, Personal Injury Lawyer, Court Connected Mediator, Family Mediator, Law Instructor. Plant Quinn Thiele LLP Law Firm, Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer Network