There are few things more traumatizing than being attacked by an animal, and though we tend to see dogs as “man’s best friend,” at times, this perception can be wildly off-base. If you were recently bitten by a dog, our Toronto dog bite lawyer is here to help you obtain the compensation you require to heal. Contact Merricks Law Group to schedule your initial consultation with our firm.
Toronto Dog Bite Lawyer | Fighting for Your Rights
If you were recently bitten by a dog and required medical attention to recover, you must not hire just any lawyer to represent your case–hire a Toronto personal injury lawyer who has been fighting for the wrongfully injured in Toronto for decades and who understands the intricacies often associated with dog bite injury claims. Mr. Merricks, of Merricks Law Group, is that lawyer, and he is ready to fight for you through every step of the legal process ahead. Contact our firm so we can get started.
Ontario’s Dog Bite Laws
Ontario has very strict laws when it comes to dog attacks. Essentially, the Ontario Dog Owners’ Liability Act states that if a dog bites a person, the dog’s owner is held strictly liable for any damages the bitten person has incurred as a result of the attack, regardless of the dog owner’s knowledge of a propensity for violence. That being said, if the dog owner can prove that you instigated or prompted the attack in some way, such as by teasing the dog or trespassing on the dog owners’ property, you may receive a reduced amount of damages awarded in proportion to the extent to which you contributed to the attack. Additionally, after a dog bite, it is critical that you receive immediate medical treatment, as you may require stitches, a rabies shot, and more. If possible, you should also attempt to document the incident by taking pictures, asking witnesses for their contact information, calling the police, and more.
Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite
Dog bites can be quite traumatic, both physically and emotionally, which is why you are permitted to sue for two types of damages in your personal injury claim: economic damages and non-pecuniary damages. Economic damages deal with the financial cost of your accident, such as the cost of medical bills you had to pay to treat your injury, while non-pecuniary damages deal with the emotional impacts you’ve endured because of your accident, such as emotional distress, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Keep in mind that to receive financial compensation after a dog bite, you will have to file your claim within two years of the date of the incident, in accordance with Ontario’s statute of limitations.
Contact a Toronto Dog Bite Lawyer
If you’ve been injured as a result of a dog bite, do not sit idly by and languish in your misfortune when you have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers who are ready to fight, tooth-and-nail, for the justice you deserve. Contact Merricks Law Group to schedule your free initial consultation with our firm.
