There are around 500,000 cases of dog bites every year in Canada, the most common victim of which are kids under 10. Around 500 post employees get bitten by dogs every year. Most of the dogs involved in these cases are pets.
If you’re a dog owner or have been a victim of a dog bite, it’s crucial for you to understand the Dog Owner’s Liability Act. According to this act, a dog owner is held liable if their pet causes any bodily harm to any individual. A victim can also receive compensation from the dog owner under the act. Here’s everything you need to know about dog bite claims.
Medical Complications Due to Dog Bites
There are four major types of medical complications that can occur due to a dog bite.
Rabies – If the dog that bit the victim has rabies, the victim can get rabies. The most common signs of rabies are itching around the bite wound and weakness.
Sepsis – Sepsis can be life-threatening. This happens when an untreated dog bites a victim. The symptoms of sepsis are extreme pain and high blood pressure.
Capnocytophaga – The victim can have a heart attack due to this. Moreover, if the dog bite isn’t treated in time, the victim can also contract gangrene.
Tetanus– This is a virus that can enter the victim’s body through the open bite site. It can cause issues with swallowing and lead to spasms in jaw muscles.
Report a Dog Bite
If you’re a victim of a dog bite, you need to first seek medical treatment. Get your wound treated and make sure everything is alright. Once that’s done, collect the information of the dog owner, take pictures of your wound, and contact an experienced lawyer to fight your dog bite claim.
Dog Bite on Owner’s Property
According to the Dog Owner’s Liability Act, if your dog bites someone who entered your property with criminal intent, you won’t be held liable. However, if it’s a sales or delivery person doing their job, you’ll most certainly be held liable.
Dog Bite on Public Property
If your dog has been provoked or was on a leash when the accident happened, you won’t be held liable. However, you’ll have to prove that the victim did something to trigger the dog that caused them to react in this manner.
![Black dog on a leash]()
Medical Attention for Injured Person
If you’re found liable for your dog’s bite, you’ll have to compensate for medical treatment. Although healthcare in Canada is free, you still might have to pay for other expenses such as therapy and losses the victim had to incur due to the dog bite.
Whom do I Need to Contact to Cover the Dog Bite?
If you have a dog, get an insurance plan that covers dog bites. Make sure your insurance plan covers it, as both pet and home insurance can help you with the coverage. The maximum payout of a dog bite is $35,000.
Should You Contact a Lawyer If Your Dog Bit Someone?
If your dog has bitten someone, make sure to contact a personal injury lawyer as the victim can sue you. Make sure to pick a lawyer who has experience in handling such cases. If you’ve recently been a victim of a dog bite or if your dog has bitten someone, contact Nanda and Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation. We handle personal injury, family law, real estate, and more. We’re also one of the best Canadian immigration lawyers to make your dream to study in Canada come true.
To get in touch, book a free consultation now.
