Thousands of serious dog bite injuries occur every year in Ontario. Bite wounds often take a long time to heal and are particularly dangerous due to bacteria and the risk of infection. Financial costs may include medical bills, property damage and current and future loss of income. The owner of the offending animal is responsible for damages caused to other persons or domestic animals. These costs are usually covered by the home owner’s insurance policy, however the insurance company may question or minimize the victim’s rights to benefits.
Aside from the shock and pain of the initial dog or animal attack, there may be long lasting scarring and disfigurement or anxiety and panic due to psychological trauma. Financial costs may include medical bills, property damage and current and future loss of income.
The following steps will help support your rights to personal injury benefits if you have been attacked, mauled or injured by someone else’s dog or animal:
- Get immediate medical care
- Record the owner’s name and contact information
- Take photos of the injury, the place where the injury occurred and any other important details ( cell phone photos are good)
- Get names and contact information for witnesses
- Report the occurrence to police, animal control or local health clinic
Unfortunately, animal attacks are often committed by normally friendly pets. The details are unique in every situation and no two claims are exactly the same. Legal proceedings must begin within a certain period of time frame following the incidence; otherwise, rights to benefits can be affected or disallowed. If you have suffered a serious injury caused by someone’s animal, it is imperative to see an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack.
