Dog Bites

The Law is On Your Side

As a victim of a dog bite or attack, you are fortunate to have Ontario (ONT) law on your side. According to the dog owner liability act “The owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.” R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16, s. 2.

If you or someone you love has been attacked by a vicious dog, you have every right to seek damages. In order to ensure that you receive proper compensation, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

Let Us Deal With the Insurance Company

The insurance company and their adjuster will be angling to settle your dog bite case for as little as possible. While you try to recover from your injuries the adjuster will be busy underestimating the extent of your injuries and trying to discredit any mental distress. As attorneys in Ontario our job is to ensure that you and your family are properly compensated for your losses and mental anguish. Do not sign any documents relating to the attack or your injuries without the advice of a lawyer. Only a lawyer well versed in dog bite law can ensure that your case is being fairly assessed.

The Scope of Mental Trauma

Dog bite victims often suffer from both physical and psychological trauma. The pain of the dog bite may be temporary, but the mental anguish can continue for years after the attack. This is especially true when the injured victim is a child. If you or your child is suffering from the following symptoms after being attacked, there is every chance the attack has triggered one or more stress disorders.

Signs of mental trauma include:

• Flashbacks of the event
• Nightmares
• Sleep disturbances
• Avoiding reminders of the event

In young children additional signs may be seen:

• Bedwetting
• Fear of separation from parents
• Extreme fear around dogs or when reminded of the attack
• Outbursts of unexplained anger or sadness

A thorough examination and ongoing therapy may be necessary months and even years after an attack. The insurance adjuster will try his best to dismiss your mental trauma. In an attempt to save the insurance company money he will do his best to discredit your anguish. A lawyer experienced in dog bites cases can help ensure that you or your child are compensated for any mental trauma. Do not allow the insurance company to undervalue your suffering. Call today for a complimentary evaluation of your case.

What To Do Next

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, please contact Katzman, Wylupek L.L.P. With over 19 years of experience in dog bite law, we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. At Katzman, Wylupek L.L.P, we make the law work for you. Please call today.

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