Dog Bites/Injuries Lawyers Grande Prairie
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What can a person do after being bitten by someone else’s dog? In the aftermath of a surprising, injury-causing encounter with another person’s violent pet, it can be difficult to know what actions to take, who to contact, and where to turn for compensation.
Even the most well-behaved dog can be violent. Unprovoked bites and attacks often lead to serious injuries. It is important to make sure certain steps are followed immediately in order to prevent the dog from causing further harm.
After being bitten, mauled, or otherwise attacked by someone else’s dog, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Not only can dog bites cause injuries like lacerations and broken bones, they can also spread potentially fatal infections, including:
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Endocarditis
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
- Pasteurella
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- And possibly more
In addition to seeking emergency medical treatment, after being bitten by another person’s dog, it is important to report the incident to Alberta Animal Services’ bylaw enforcement. These bylaw enforcement officers can investigate the incident and take necessary actions to ensure others are not harmed by the aggressive dog.
Many people who have been injured in an altercation with an aggressive dog incur substantial financial losses to try coping with the consequences of their attack. In addition to sustaining serious physical injuries, the victims of dog attacks often develop costly mental health concerns, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Phobias
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in relation to disfigurement or physical scarring
- And more
If a dog owner fails to prevent their dog from attacking another person on their property, their insurance provider might be responsible for compensating the injured victims. That is because, in accordance with the province’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, the people who own or control access to commercial and residential properties have a responsibility to their guests. If they fail to take preventative measures to protect people from their dog, they could be liable for damages incurred by injured attack victims.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy for injured victims of dog attacks to get the insurance settlements they require to cope with the expenses incurred as a result of their physical and psychological injuries. However, by working with our Grande Prairie dog bite lawyers, injured victims of dog attacks may be able to get the financial compensation to which they should be rightfully entitled.
Our dog bite lawyers serving Grande Prairie are passionate about helping members of the local community get the compensation they deserve. By fighting against the unfair tactics often used by insurance companies, our Grande Prairie dog bite lawyers may be able to provide crucial legal support during this challenging situation. To learn more about working with our Grande Prairie dog bite lawyers, contact us today.
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Although they may be considered “man’s best friend,” dogs do not always behave in a friendly manner towards humans. These animals can be aggressive, violent, and dangerous. The adverse effects of being bitten by someone else’s dog can be long-lasting and all-encompassing.
That is why it is so important to book a free initial consultation with our dog bite lawyers serving Grande Prairie. By doing so, you could receive beneficial legal advice and learn about the compensatory options that might be available to you. To learn more, call our Grande Prairie dog bite lawyers today.
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Commonly Asked dog bite Questions
Here are our most asked questions on dog bite claims.
What should I do after I get attacked by a dog?
After you are safe and medically attended to, you need to secure the identity of the dog and its owner or handler. You also need to secure the contact details of any witnesses and report the attack to the local animal control.
What are the most common injuries from a dog attack?
Puncture wounds and crush injuries are common and can lead to infections. In addition, people who are attacked by dogs often fall down and can suffer broken bones and other serious injuries in the fall. The psychological consequences of a dog attack can also be significant and can cause psychological injury.
Who is responsible for a dog attack?
Dog attack laws are technical and complex. Unfortunately, in some cases, no one is responsible for a dog attack, particularly if the dog has never attacked anyone before. If the dog has attacked people before or displayed violent tendencies, then the owner or handler of the dog may be responsible.
How do I hold a dog owner responsible for a dog bite?
First, you must identify who they are. Then, you must prove that their dog had a propensity for violence and that the owner knew of that propensity or that they were otherwise negligent. This may require witnesses of a previous incident involving the dog.
How do I succeed in a dog attack case?
To succeed in a dog attack case, you must prove liability and damages. To prove liability, you must prove that the owners or handlers of the dog knew the dog was violent before it bit you or were otherwise negligent. To prove damages, you must prove you were injured and suffered losses either through pain and suffering or financially.
When should I contact a lawyer after a dog bite?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can. Dog bite cases are legalistic and technical. If the correct evidence is not located and preserved, then you may not be able to locate the responsible party or prove liability.
How can a personal injury lawyer help me with a dog attack?
A personal injury lawyer can help with your claim by handling the technical and legal aspects of your claim. This frees you up to do the most important job, going to treatment and getting better.
How much can I sue for in a dog attack case in Alberta?
The amount of money available depends on how injured you are and how those injuries affect things like your job or medical expenses. Cases where a dog attack causes you to miss substantial amounts of work will be worth more than cases that don’t affect your work.
Can I still sue if I only have minor physical injuries from a dog attack?
Yes, there is no minor injury cap in dog bite claims. It is important to be fully aware of the full consequences of a dog attack. For example, someone with minor physical injuries may suffer significant psychological injuries from the same attack.
Can I sue if a dog attack resulted in damage to my property but not me?
Yes, though the liability analysis may change depending on what happened in the dog attack. Cases for property damage are generally less serious and substantial than those for personal injury, though this is not an absolute rule.
What kind of compensation can I get from a dog attack?
The types of compensation you can get from a dog attack are similar to other types of personal injury claims. They include:
- Pain and suffering;
- Past wage loss;
- Future wage loss;
- Out-of-pocket expenses;
- Expected cost of care; and
- Loss of housekeeping capacity.
What is included in the definition of a dog attack?
A dog attack is not a technical term and can refer to many types of dog incidents. Dog bites are the most common. Dogs injure people in other ways, too. Sometimes, an aggressive dog will knock someone to the ground and cause injury in the fall. These, too, would fall under the definition of a dog attack.
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