Dog Bites: What to Do If You’re Injured

Ouch! Being on the receiving end of any type of injury spells trouble but dog bites are exceptionally traumatic. In many cases, the aftermath of these is best handled by a legal professional with experience in personal injury law. You’re well within your legal rights as a Toronto resident to seek counsel if a dog bites you. After all, you didn’t do anything wrong—but the dog’s owner just might be liable for your injury.

Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act explicitly states that “The owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.” Whether or not the owner was aware of the dog’s proclivity to bite, or whether the incident occurred as a result of basic negligence, the victim has a strong case.

Dog bites range from minor to critical. In less eventful cases, you may have a minor scratch or superficial wound that heals fairly quickly. A more serious bite suffered from mauling could cause far more serious injuries, including disfigurement. No matter the severity of the bite, though, any type of attack can lead to psychological trauma.

Treatment for physical and emotional pain is not cheap. That’s why it’s so important to take the appropriate steps in the event that you do suffer a dog bite. If you’re concerned about finding quality injury lawyers, Toronto is home to one of the best teams in the country. Before you get started with a dog bite injury lawyer, Toronto professionals suggest checking these tasks off your list:

• Obtain contact information. You’ll need it from everybody involved at the scene of the incident, including the dog’s owner or minder, as well as any witnesses who may have seen the incident occur.
• Take photographs. This helps capture the authenticity of your injuries in the direct moments after the event. Although it may be gruesome, it will be helpful to your lawyer as they tackle your case.
• Seek medical attention. A doctor will provide you with the appropriate treatment, as well as important paperwork that documents the extent and severity of your injuries, as well as any follow-up recommendations.
• Visit animal control. This is important if you wish to file a personal injury case against the dog’s owner. Once there, you’ll need to file a report, after which an officer in your area will investigate the case.

A qualified and results-driven personal injury lawyer is your best ally when you’re caught in the chaos of coping with a dog bite. From the trauma of the injury to the stress of the aftermath, there’s no real way of knowing if you’re handling everything properly unless you’re working with someone equipped with the skill and knowledge to handle—and win—your case.

If you’re the victim of a dog bite, don’t delay. Get in touch with the dog bite accident lawyers at LDDC Lawyers today. They won’t stop until you’re fairly compensated for your injury and resulting expenses.