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5 Common Dog Bite Injuries
Thousands of Canadians are seriously injured in dog bites and attacks around the country each year. In 1996, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports that more than 40 percent of the injuries requiring emergency room care were severe enough to warrant hospitalization (4.5 percent) or follow-up visits after emergency department treatment (36.8 percent).
A State Farm press release also shed light on some alarming dog bite statistics:
- “The Canadian Safety Council estimates there are 460,000 dog bite incidents each year with children under 10 years of age the most common victims;”
- “a recent study by the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine concludes dog bites account for more injury-related emergency department visits than do injuries associated with playgrounds, all-terrain vehicles, rollerblading or skateboards;” and
- “The Humane Society of Canada says someone suffers a dog bite every minute.”
Common Dog Bite Injuries
The PHAC reports that the most frequent types of injury were bites (as opposed to lacerations, fractures or amputations), and the body part most often affected was the face, occurring in 40 percent of cases.
The five most common types of injuries dog attack victims sustained in 1996 were:
- bite wounds to the head, face and neck (430 injuries);
- bite wounds to the hands and fingers (219);
- cuts and lacerations to the face (150);
- bite wounds to the forearm and wrist (126); and
- bite wounds to the lower extremities (104).
Other types of dog bite injuries include bruises, abrasions, inflammation, eye injuries, fractures, nerve damage and crushing injuries.
Ramifications of a Dog Bite Attack
In addition the physical injuries discussed above, dog bite victims might suffer emotional damage. Scarring and disfigurement, particularly in highly visible places such as the face and hands, can cause a person to suffer lifelong emotional consequences. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders and societal dysfunction are only some of the potential psychosocial and emotional ramifications of a dog attack.
Filing a Claim for Financial Restitution
The Dog Owners Liability Act, specified in R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16, provides that dog owners are liable for “damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.” This means that victims have the right to pursue financial compensation for damages from the dog owner.
Damages can include damages such as:
- medical bills;
- surgeries;
- home care expenses;
- rehabilitation and follow-up appointments;
- counseling and mental health treatments;
- pain and suffering;
- lost wages;
- loss of promotion or business opportunity;
- the impact of the injuries on your happiness in life and on your relationships; and
- loss of care, guidance and companionship.
Preszler Injury Lawyers Can Help You Recover a Fair Settlement
Adequately proving the extent of your damages takes planning, and extensive evidence compilation. If you or a loved one recently suffered a dog bite attack in Ontario, call on Preszler Injury Lawyers for help. Contact our lawyers for a free consultation. We may be able to investigate your case, gather supportive evidence, and advocate for a fair settlement. Call today to discuss your claim: 1-800-JUSTICE®.
