Dog Bites

Ontario has very strict laws when it comes to dog attacks. Essentially, the Ontario Dog Owners’ Liability Act states that if a dog bites a person, the dog’s owner is held strictly liable for any damages the bitten person has incurred as a result of the attack, regardless of the dog owner’s knowledge of a propensity for violence. That being said, if the dog owner can prove that you instigated or prompted the attack in some way, such as by teasing the dog or trespassing on the dog owners’ property, you may receive a reduced amount of damages awarded in proportion to the extent to which you contributed to the attack. Additionally, after a dog bite, it is critical that you receive immediate medical treatment, as you may require stitches, a rabies shot, and more. If possible, you should also attempt to document the incident by taking pictures, asking witnesses for their contact information, calling the police, and more.