Bitten by a Dog in Ontario? Know Your Rights, Take Action
A dog bite, even a seemingly minor one, can have lasting physical and emotional consequences. In Ontario, you have rights as a victim. Toronto Dog Bite Attorney is here to guide you through the essential steps to take after a dog bite, protecting your well-being and legal options.
Dog Bite First Aid: Why Prompt Medical Care is Non-Negotiable
It’s easy to downplay a dog bite, especially if it seems minor. But even small punctures carry infection risks, and some injuries aren’t immediately obvious. Your health is paramount – take these steps:
1. Don’t Wait! Seek Medical Attention ASAP
Skin Broken? Doctor Time! Any bite that pierces the skin needs professional cleaning and assessment. Don’t wait for signs of infection.
Emergency Care for Severe Bites: Call 911 or head straight to the ER if:
Bleeding heavily and won’t stop
Deep puncture wounds, especially to the face, head, neck, or hands
You feel unwell, dizzy, or have flu-like symptoms after the bite
2. While You Wait for Medical Professionals:
Cleanse the Wound: Gently wash the bite with soap and water for at least 5 minutes. This helps flush out bacteria.
Antiseptic (If Available): Apply an over-the-counter antiseptic to further reduce infection risk.
3. Remember, Dog Bites Can Cause More Than Meets the Eye!
Broken Bones and Internal Injuries: The force of a bite can fracture bones, even without obvious external signs.
Head and Spinal Trauma: Falls or forceful shaking by a dog can cause serious head or spinal injuries, even if the bite itself seems minor.
Don’t take chances! Prompt medical care not only safeguards your health, but it also creates an official record of your injuries, which is vital for any potential legal action.
Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, physically and emotionally. While your first priority is health, knowing your legal rights from the start is crucial. Toronto Dog Bite Attorney outlines four essential steps to take immediately after a dog bite, safeguarding your well-being and potential claim.
1. Never Let the Owner Disappear Without Giving You Their Full Information
It's tempting to let things go, especially if the owner seems remorseful. However, some people try to evade responsibility.
Insist on Full Details: Obtain their complete legal name, phone number, and home address. A photo of their driver's license is ideal.
Don't Rely Solely on Authorities: While reporting to Animal Control and/or the police is crucial (more on that below), obtaining owner info from them later can be near impossible due to privacy laws. Get it directly at the scene.
2. Seek Medical Care Immediately
Don't Downplay Injuries: Even a seemingly minor bite requires a doctor's assessment. Punctures are highly prone to infection, and some injuries aren't visible externally.
Emergency Care When Needed: For severe bites, heavy bleeding, or if you feel unwell, call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room.
Thorough Record-Keeping: Get copies of ALL medical paperwork - bills, treatment plans, prescriptions, doctor's notes. This strengthens any potential claim later.
3. Report the Bite to Your Local Animal Control
This serves multiple purposes:
Official Record: Creates documentation of the incident, including date, time, location, parties involved, and any witnesses. This is valuable if you pursue legal action later.
Public Safety: Helps authorities track dog bite patterns, potentially identifying dangerous dogs or irresponsible owners to prevent future incidents.
(Include brief instructions on finding local Animal Control, as in the previous rewrite)
4. Document Everything Like It's Going to Court (Because It Might)
Visual Evidence: Take photos and videos of EVERYTHING relevant – your injuries from different angles, the dog if safe, the location, any torn clothing, even the surrounding area.
Preserve Physical Evidence: Bag and keep ripped clothes, the dog's leash if found, etc. This might seem odd now, but it could be important later.
Witness Information: Get full names and contact info from anyone who saw the bite. Independent accounts are powerful if your version of events is disputed.
Remember: You have rights as a dog bite victim. Toronto Dog Bite Attorney is here to provide free consultations to discuss your options. Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance.
Were you or a loved one bitten by a dog in Ontario? Taking swift action is key, even if you're unsure about legal options. Reporting the incident to your local Animal Control helps ensure public safety and creates an official record, which is crucial for any future claims.
Ajax Dog Bite Injury - Ajax Dog Bite Reporting to Animal Services - Call 905-683-8275 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Alliston Dog Bite Injury - New Tecumseth Canine Control - Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Aurora Dog Bite Injury - Aurora Animal Services- Call 1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Barrie Dog Bite Injury -Barrie Enforcement Services - Call (705) 739-4241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Beeton Dog Bite Injury - New Tecumseth Canine Control - Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Belleville Dog Bite Injury - Belleville Animal Control- Call (613)-966-4483 and report the dog bite. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Bowmanville Dog Attack Injury: Bowmanville Animal Control- Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. Remember to keep the Reference Number. Also Call 905-623-7651.
Bracebridge Dog Bite Injury: Bracebridge Animal Services- Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. T: 705-645-5264 x 3250. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brampton Dog Bite Injury: Brampton Animal Services - Call 905.458.5800 or 311 or contact local police for guidance. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brantford Dog Bite Injury - Brantord Animal Control Regulatory Services - kCall 519-759-4150 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brant Dog Bite Injury - County of Brant Animal Control By Law - Click the link and report a complaint online.
Burlington Dog Attack Injury - Burlington By-Law Enforcement- Call 905-335-3030 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Caledon Dog Bite Injury - Town of Caledon Report a Problem - Call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Online submission also available at the link provided. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cambridge Dog Bite Injury - Cambridge Animal Control - Call (519) 623-6323 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cavan Monaghan Dog Bite Injury - Cavan-Monaghan Animal By-Laws- Call 705-760-6968 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Chatham-Kent Dog Bite Injury - P.A.W- Pet and Wildlife Rescue- Call 226-996-9969 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Clarington Dog Attack Injury: Clarington Animal Control- Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. Remember to keep the Reference Number. Also Call 905-623-7651.
Clearview Dog Bite Injury: Clearview Animal Services- Call 705-428-6230 x 241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cobourg Dog Bite Injury - Cobourg Animal Services- Call 905-372-4301 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Creemore Dog Bite Injury: Clearview Animal Services- Call 705-428-6230 x 241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Collingwood Dog Bite Injury: Collingwood Animal Control- Call 705-445-1030 ext. 3254 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
East Gwillimbury Dog Bite Injury - Aurora Animal Services- Call1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Georgina Dog Attack Injury -Georgina Animal Services - Call 1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Hamilton Dog Bite Injury -Hamilton Dog Attack- Call Animal Control at 905-574-3433 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
London, Ontario Dog Bite Injury: London Animal Care and Control Call: 519-685-1330 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Mississauga Dog Bite Injury - Mississauga Animal Emergencies and Rescue - Call 905-896-5858, ext 3932 or Call 311 or Report to Peel Regional Police. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
New Tecumseth Dog Attack Injury -New Tecumseth Canine Control - Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Niagara-on-the-lake Dog Attack
Ontario Ministry of Attorney General on Dogs
Orillia Dog Bite Injury - Orillia Animal Control - Call 705-325-2313 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Ottawa Dog Attack Injury - Report a Problem with Dogs - Call 613-580-2400 or call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Tottenham Dog Bite Injury - New Tecumseth Canine Control- Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Toronto Dog Bite Injury - Toronto Dog Bite Attacks What To Do - Call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Vaughan Dog Bite Injury - Vaughan Animal Control By-law- Call 905-832-2281 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Even if you're unsure about legal action after a dog bite, certain missteps can seriously harm your chances of getting fair compensation later. Here's what not to do, especially for serious injuries:
1. NEVER Let the Dog Owner Leave Without Providing Complete Contact Information
It's tempting to brush it off, especially if they seem apologetic. But some owners evade responsibility, and getting their details later is an uphill battle.
Don't Settle for Partial Info: Full legal name, address, and phone number are crucial. A photo of their ID is ideal.
Why This Matters: Privacy laws make it incredibly difficult (sometimes impossible) to track down an owner later through Animal Control or police. Without this info, your legal options are severely limited.
2. Don't Accept a Quick "Payoff" Without Consulting a Lawyer
The owner might offer to cover immediate medical bills, seeming like a nice gesture to make you drop things. Don't fall for it!
Future Costs: Dog bites can have lasting impacts: ongoing medical care, emotional distress, lost income, etc. An early settlement rarely accounts for this.
Legal Assessment: Only a lawyer can evaluate the full potential value of your claim, including pain and suffering, which insurance often downplays.
3. Do NOT Speak Directly to the Dog Owner's Insurance Company
They might contact you first, seeming friendly and concerned. This is a tactic!
They're Not on Your Side: Their goal is to protect their client (the owner) and minimize payouts. What you say can and WILL be used against you.
Recorded Statements are Dangerous: They may ask for a statement early on, before you fully grasp the situation or your rights.
Let Your Lawyer Handle It: Once you have legal representation, all communication goes through them, safeguarding your interests.
Toronto Dog Bite Attorney offers free consultations to assess your case. Getting legal advice early is FREE and doesn't obligate you to sue, but it can prevent costly mistakes.
Common Questions About Dog Bites in Ontario: Your Rights & Options
Yes, you have the right to sue for compensation if you've been injured by a dog in Ontario. However, there are time limits for filing a claim, so speaking with an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible is crucial.
Yes, even minor dog bites can be pursued in Small Claims Court, especially if they caused pain, suffering, or medical expenses.
Yes, even minor dog bites can be pursued in Small Claims Court, especially if they caused pain, suffering, or medical expenses.
Dog Bite Severity Levels: What Do They Mean for My Case?
Dr. Ian Dunbar's dog bite scale is often used to categorize bite severity, though it's not the only factor determining compensation. Here's a simplified look:
Level 1-2 (No Skin Broken): While not ideal for a "dog bite" claim, these can still lead to substantial claims if other injuries occurred (e.g., falling while escaping the dog).
Level 3-4 (Single Bite, Varying Depth): Toronto Dog Bite Attorney regularly handles these cases. Compensation varies greatly depending on the specific circumstances.
Level 5 (Multiple Bites, Deep Wounds): We have extensive experience with these complex cases, whether through negotiation, settlement, or litigation.
Level 6 (Fatality or Severe Mutilation): Thankfully rare, but these tragic cases require specialized legal expertise and often involve criminal charges alongside civil claims.
Don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We'll assess your situation and explain your options clearly and compassionately. You don't have to go through this alone!
There is no set limit on damages in Ontario dog bite cases. The amount you can potentially receive depends on factors like:
Severity of your injuries (physical and emotional)
Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering