How to Address Dog Bite Injuries from a Dog Owned by a Friend or Neighbour
First and foremost, seek treatment for the bite(s). Dog bites that break the skin can carry risk of infection. Antibiotics and/or a tetanus shot may be required. It is important to determine if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.
Once you have sought appropriate treatment, you should report the dog bite to your local public health unit. It is important to report the incident for rabies prevention. However, it can also help prevent this from happening to someone else. The owner may be required to put certain measures in place like confining the dog to the owner’s property, restraining the dog by a leash (with possible restrictions on the length of the leash), restraining the dog by a muzzle, and/or having to post warning signs of a dangerous dog on their property. In the worst of cases, the dog owner may be required to put the dog down.
You may wish to bring a civil lawsuit against the dog’s owner for compensation for the injuries the dog caused. Dog owners are responsible for the action of their dogs under the Dog Owner’s Liability Act, regardless of whether the dog had a previous violent history. In most cases, the owner will have a home insurance policy that will respond to the claim and pay out any damages awarded. In a personal injury lawsuit you can seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income, out of pocket expenses, and future care/treatment needs. While it may be uncomfortable to sue a neighbour, friend, or relative, dog bite injuries can be severe and result in permanent injury and disability.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, it is important to understand your options. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
About the Authors
A born-and-raised Barrie resident, Karen knows and loves her community. She is proud to be a partner in one of Canada’s most successful personal injury law firms—right in her own backyard. Karen joined Oatley Vigmond in 2013 as an associate lawyer. She holds a BA from Queen’s University and her Juris Doctor from Bond University in Australia. Prior to being called to the Bar in January 2013, Karen articled at a well-known personal injury law firm in Toronto.