Guelph Dog Bite Lawyers
Whether it’s in a park, on a street, or inside a restaurant, one can often come across dog owners who assume they can permit their dogs to run around without any restraint. However, such irresponsible actions not only endanger the well-being of the dog but also heighten the risk of harm to the general public. If you or your family member has been the victim of a dog bite or attack, it is highly likely that you have grounds for a legal claim. Why?
Under Ontario law, dog owners are responsible for preventing their pets from harming others. This includes taking reasonable precautions to ensure their dog does not pose a threat to people or animals. If an attack occurs due to a dog owner’s negligence, the victim has the right to seek financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma. At DWA Law, our experienced dog bite lawyers serving Guelph are well versed in this area of personal injury law and dedicated to helping injured victims fight for their compensation.
Ontario Dog Bite Law: What are My Rights if My Dog Bites Someone?
In Ontario, the Dog Owners’ Liability Act places responsibility squarely on the dog’s owner. In most cases, the dog owner is financially liable for any injuries their pet causes, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. Failure to comply with the Dog Owners’ Liability Act could result in significant legal repercussions.
The law applies to all dog owners in Ontario, regardless of the dog’s breed. It is crucial to understand the Act’s provisions, which include strict liability, fines, and even imprisonment in severe cases.
Some of the important aspects to note include:
- The dog owner is liable if their dog bites or attacks a person or another domestic animal.
- Liability is not dependent on whether the owner knew their dog was dangerous or prone to biting.
- If the dog bite victim is found partially responsible for the attack, their compensation may be reduced—or, in certain cases, eliminated entirely.
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Who are “Dog Owners”?
According to Ontario’s laws, a dog owner is defined as a person possessing or harbouring a dog. What does “harbouring” mean? When a person exercises some control and care over the dog— as opposed to simply allowing it to be present in the home—they are harbouring a dog.
If a dog owner is a minor, however, the responsibility of the dog falls on the person who is responsible for the minor. When there is more than one owner, each one is responsible and liable for the dog’s behaviour.
Property owners may be held liable if they allow a dangerous dog onto their premises. The Occupiers’ Liability Act requires that anyone who owns or controls a property—whether residential, commercial, or farmland—takes reasonable steps to protect visitors from harm, including dog attacks.
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Financial Compensation for Dog Attacks
A dog bite can be a serious injury that causes lasting trauma, both physically and emotionally. Beyond immediate physical pain, many dog bite victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and permanent scarring.
While we cannot prevent the dog attack, at DWA Law, our personal injury lawyers are here for you in the aftermath of a dog bite injury, dedicated to providing you with the legal support you need as you seek compensation for your pain and suffering.
Settlement amounts vary based on the severity of the injury case. While minor bites may result in settlements of $10,000 to $30,000, severe injuries can reach hundreds of thousands—or even $1 million in extreme cases.
A dog bite lawyer will evaluate the various aspects of your case and consult with medical professionals to determine a fair settlement amount.
Every Guelph Dog Bite Victim Should Make a Claim
Not all dog bite cases go to court for a personal injury claim. Many are resolved through insurance claims, as some homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog attacks. However, legal action may be necessary in cases where:
- The dog owner does not have insurance and refuses to compensate the victim.
- The dog owner claims the victim provoked the attack.
- The insurance company offers an unfair settlement that does not fully cover medical expenses, missed work, and other accident-related costs.
Having an experienced Guelph personal injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Even if your case doesn’t go to court, our legal team can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
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Should I Get a Personal Injury Lawyer in Guelph for a Dog Bite?
Absolutely. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the financial compensation you deserve. At DWA Law, we evaluate every aspect of your case, including medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering, to build a strong claim. If a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, we are fully prepared to represent you in trial.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, don’t wait to take legal action. Contact our Guelph personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation and get the legal assistance you need
If you’re a victim of dog bites or an attack, contact DWA Law today.
What Conditions Qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits?
In essence, long-term disability insurance should ideally cover any injury, illness, or condition that hinders someone from working. However, specific disability insurance policies outline certain exclusions. Despite this, there are numerous physical, mental, and emotional health issues that indeed qualify individuals for long-term disability insurance benefits.
If you have contracted an illness, been involved in an accident or are suffering from a condition that prevents you from working, you should contact a long-term disability lawyer to discuss your situation. You could be eligible for disability claims.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Long-Term Disability Claims?
At some point in most people’s lives, there comes a time when having a strong advocate by your side becomes crucial. When faced with long-term disability denial, enlisting the assistance of a knowledgeable long-term disability lawyer is the most effective approach. While legal representation is not mandatory, experienced disability lawyers play a vital role in ensuring the accurate completion of your application and can offer valuable legal alternatives should your claim be rejected. Their expertise can significantly enhance your chances of securing the benefits you rightfully deserve.
An experienced Hamilton disability lawyer from DWA Law will make sure that your rights are respected throughout the disability claim process and do everything in their power to make sure that insurers live up to their disability insurance contracts.
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Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims
In order to file a long-term disability claim, you will need to provide your insurance company with the following information.
Medical Records
This medical evidence will confirm the diagnosis, course of treatment and prognosis provided by your doctor.
Employment History
Your employment history will be reviewed in order to establish your previous income levels and future earning capacity.
Current Employment Information
Itemizing your regular tasks will help insurance examiners understand why your condition prevents you from working.
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Disability Insurance Coverage
If you become sick, injured or unable to work for any medical reason, disability insurance protects your income by providing benefits equivalent to a large proportion of your lost income.
