London Dog Bite Lawyer
Anytime a dog has bitten or attacked someone, the accident victim should speak to a London dog bite lawyer.
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog and sustained compensable injuries as a result, our London dog bite lawyers may be able to help you recover the damages you have incurred or will incur in the future. To learn more, contact our dog bite lawyers serving London and receive a free initial consultation. Call 1-800-JUSTICE today.
Ontario’s Dog Owner’s Liability Act
Dog bites fall under the provision of Ontario’s Dog Owner’s Liability Act, also known as DOLA. Under Section 2.1 of the Act, it states, “The owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.” This means that under the Act, a dog owner is responsible for the behaviour of their dog. In Ontario, this liability is referred to as strict liability, meaning that under most circumstances, the dog owner will be held automatically responsible.
Even if the dog has never displayed aggressive or violent before, the dog owner will be held liable any time the dog bites or attacks and injuries result.
Strict liability also means that the victim does not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent. So even when the dog owner has properly supervised their dog and acted in a perfectly reasonable manner, they will still be held responsible any time their dog bites or attacks a person or another domestic animal, such as another dog while at a dog park.
Although dog owners are generally considered to be held liable any time their dog bites, regardless of the circumstances, there are some exceptions to the rule.
The Occupier’s Liability Act
While most dog bite cases will fall under the provisions of DOLA, a few may fall under the Occupier’s Liability Act. Under this Act, property owners, or those occupying the property, are required by law to keep those entering onto the property safe at all times.
CONTACT PRESZLER INJURY LAWYERS
After sustaining compensable injuries in a dog attack, it can be difficult to know where to turn to pursue accountability and financial compensation. To learn about options for financial recovery that might be available to you, take advantage of a free initial consultation with our London dog bite lawyers by calling 1-800-JUSTICE.