Areas of Practice

Dog Bite Lawyer GTA

Toronto Dog Bite Lawyer

If you experience physical pain, scarring or psychological damage from the behaviour of an animal that belongs to another person, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. Dog bites are probably the most common type of animal injury, and Ontario has a statute called the Dog Owner’s Liability Act which governs such situations. This law basically provides that the owners of a dog are always liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by their dog on another person or domestic animal, regardless of whether they knew the animal was dangerous or not. This rule does not apply, however, if a guard dog attacks someone who is breaking into the premises.

As in other areas of negligence law, the injured person’s damages may be reduced if he or she caused or contributed to the injury.

All damages which reasonably flow from such an attack can be recovered, including pain and suffering, damages for disfigurement, wage losses, loss of future earning potential, health care costs that are not covered by public or private insurance plans and claims of other family members whose lives may be affected by the injury. Homeowners frequently have insurance plans which will cover such claims.

Hiring Tony Lafazanis is risk free. There is no legal bill to pay, if there is no settlement.

Each personal injury case is unique and requires dedication, professionalism, expertise and a personal, hands-on approach.
If you have suffered injury due to the negligence of others, Tony Lafazanis will guide you through every step of the legal process, and ensure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.
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FAQs

1. What should I do after a dog bite or dog attack in Toronto?

If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, document your injuries as soon as possible and obtain the dog owner’s or walker’s contact information. Gather photographs of your injuries and the scene, speak with any witnesses, and keep records of your treatment and related expenses. Contacting a personal injury lawyer early can help you understand your legal rights, preserve important evidence, and protect your claim. If you have questions about your rights after a dog bite or dog attack, contact Tony Lafazanis for a free, no-obligation consultation.

2. Can I claim compensation after a dog bite in Ontario?

Yes, if your injuries were caused by a dog that has an identifiable owner or person legally responsible for the dog, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for pain and suffering, lost income during recovery, medical expenses not covered by insurance, rehabilitation costs, and other losses recognized under Ontario law. If the dog was a stray or its owner cannot be identified, your legal options may be more limited. Tony Lafazanis can assess the circumstances of your case and explain whether you may have a claim.

3. Is a dog owner always responsible for injuries caused by their dog?

Under Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, a dog owner is generally liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by their dog, regardless of whether they knew the dog had previously shown aggressive behaviour. However, every case depends on its specific facts, and damages may be reduced if the injured person’s own actions contributed to the incident.

4. Can I still recover compensation if I was partly responsible for the incident?

Possibly. Under Ontario law, if your actions contributed to the dog bite or attack, your compensation may be reduced based on your share of responsibility. For example, the circumstances leading up to the incident may be considered when determining liability and damages. Tony Lafazanis can review the facts of your case and explain how Ontario law may apply to your situation.

5. What types of damages can I recover after a dog attack?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, medical and rehabilitation expenses, and other losses related to the injury. In some cases, eligible family members may also have legal claims arising from the injury.

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