Dog Bites/Injuries Lawyers Wood Buffalo
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Dogs are widely considered to be “man’s best friend.” Unfortunately, in recent years, these traditionally friendly canines have been acting out towards humans in record numbers.
Even dogs who are usually well-behaved or docile among human members of their household can suddenly attack other people without warning. Postal workers, delivery agents, neighbours, visitors, and innocent passersby can be seriously injured as a result of someone else’s dog’s aggression.
The injuries sustained in dog attacks can range in severity from moderate to fatal. Infants, toddlers, small children, and the elderly are particularly susceptible to fatal injuries as a result of an encounter with a violent, biting dog.
Furthermore, when dogs bite people, they can transmit infectious, potentially deadly diseases to their human victims. These include:
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Endocarditis
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
- Pasteurella
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- And possibly more
Being attacked by a dog can also lead to pervasive psychological trauma. Many victims of dog attacks develop severe mental health disorders as a result of their encounter with someone else’s violent dog. These often include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia and other sleep disorders, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as a result of disfigurement or physical scarring, and more.
Coping with the physical injuries and mental health issues often sustained by the victims of dog attacks can be expensive. But who is responsible for compensating the people bitten by an animal that cannot account for its own actions?
The people who own and/or control access to commercial or residential properties owe a duty of care to the people who visit their premises. Their responsibilities to the safety of guests and other rightful visitors to the property are outlined in the province’s Occupiers’ Liability Act.
Therefore, if a dog owner fails to take preventative measures to keep their pet from harming a guest on their premises, their insurance provider could be liable for the damages they incur as a result of their injuries. However, insurers often find reasons to deny injured dog attack victims the compensation they are rightfully owed.
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, our Wood Buffalo dog bite lawyers may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve. To review the circumstances of your case with our dog bite lawyers serving Wood Buffalo and learn about the options available to you, contact us today and schedule a free initial consultation.
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After being injured by someone else’s dog, even if you have a pre-existing, personal relationship with its owner, it is important to report the incident to Alberta Animal Service bylaw enforcement. Doing so could save lives and could save future victims from the physical, emotional, and financial burden of being injured in an attack.
It is also important to call our dog bite lawyers serving Wood Buffalo to take advantage of a free initial consultation. During this cost-free, no-obligation first meeting, you will have the opportunity to learn about options for financial recovery that might be available to you in the wake of your injury-causing dog attack.
Do not hesitate. Book your free initial consultation with our Wood Buffalo 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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