Belleville Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and emotional trauma. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we know how to apply the law to cases like this and a dog bite lawyer on our team may be able to help victims pursue the compensation they deserve.

If you hire us, we may be able to begin working on your behalf immediately. Call Preszler Injury Lawyers at 1-800-JUSTICE to start the process.

Dog Owners’ Responsibilities

In Ontario, the responsibility of dog owners is spelled out in the Dog Owners’ Liability Act. Under this act, the owner of a dog that bites someone is liable for any injuries the victim has suffered.

Additionally, dog owners in Belleville must follow all local laws related to pet ownership. Should authorities receive a report of a dog bite, and their investigation shows that the dog owner was violating any local or provincial laws, the owner could receive tickets, charges, or fines.

Some Belleville local laws include:

Dogs over three months old must have a valid dog tag.
Dog tags must be renewed annually.
Dogs must be contained on the owner’s property inside a secure fence or inside a building.
Dogs must be on a leash when on public property (other than when at an off-leash dog park).

Some of these laws may be waived when the owner’s pet is a guide dog or service dog.

If the owner is legally cited after the dog bite, it could strengthen your case against the owner. A dog bite lawyer serving Belleville on our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to collect evidence to support your claim that the dog owner acted negligently or failed to prevent the injury.

Proving Ownership of the Dog

To support your claim, our team may be able to show evidence that the liable party is the owner of the dog. Ways to show dog ownership may include:

Local registration records
Veterinary care records
Microchip and other pet identification records
Pedigree registration records, such as with organizations like the Canadian Kennel Club
Witness testimony
Admission of ownership by the liable party

Legal ownership can also be shared among multiple people. If more than one person owns the dog, then liability may be divided equally among them. A dog bit lawyer serving Belleville could help make that determination.

Injuries From Dog Bites

Injuries that fall under the umbrella of a dog bite attack may not be easy to see. Some possible injuries that you may suffer after an attack from a dog include:

Scarring or disfigurement
Sepsis
Broken bones or torn ligaments from falling
Spinal cord or neck injuries from falling
Damage to muscles
Introduction of diseases, such as tetanus or rabies
Introduction of infections, such as endocarditis or meningitis
Significant loss of blood
Emotional trauma
Wrongful death

Should you find that your injuries prevent you from traveling to our office, we may be able to come to you to conduct your free initial consultation.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you believe you were not seriously injured during the immediate aftermath of the incident, you may find in the hours and days afterward that you have lingering pain.

We recommend that dog bite victims seek the care of a healthcare provider after a dog bite injury. Having a documented diagnosis and list of injuries may be important when pursuing a potential claim against the dog’s owner.

Damages in a Dog Bite Case

When involved in a dog bite case, the victim may be able to receive two types of damages:

General: where compensation is allowed for medical care after the attack, as well as for pain and suffering.
Special: where compensation is allowed for potential loss of income or extra expenses that the victim incurs after the attack.

Most dog bite victims filing a claim will seek general damages. A member of our staff could help you determine whether your case falls under the special claim category and whether or not you are eligible.

Potentially Recoverable Damages

If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury, you may be able to pursue compensation for your resulting injuries. Both physical injuries and emotional trauma may be considered when seeking compensation for your claim.

Physical injuries: where the victim has suffered cuts, bruises, disfigurement, or other injuries.
Emotional trauma: where the victim has developed psychological issues, such as a new fear of dogs, high-stress levels, sleeplessness, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Additional damages may be available if you qualify. To learn more about your rights, call 1-800-JUSTICE to speak with a member of our team.

Contact a Dog Bit Lawyer Serving Belleville

You typically have two years beginning from the date of your injury to file your claim. Once you decide to hire Preszler Injury Lawyers, we may be able to start the process of building your case. We understand the hardship that a dog bite can cause for you. We may stand by your side throughout negotiations with insurance companies and in court, if necessary.

Call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE to start your free initial consultation.