A dog bite or attack can result in life-long scarring, both physically and emotionally. The Dog Bites Injury Lawyers at Paciocco& Mellow can help you get the compensation you need to recover from a dog bite or animal attack. Call us today at (519)915-SORE(7673) for a free initial consultation with one of our Windsor Ontario Injury Lawyers.
In Ontario, dog bites or attacks are governed by the Dog Owners’ Liability Act. The Act makes the “owner” of a dog liable for all damages resulting from a dog bite or dog attack on a person or another domestic animal. It is not necessary for the dog to bite and break the skin before an action can be commenced. If you have been injured as the result of a dog scratch, being jumped on or knocked down by a dog, or even tripping and falling as the result of an attack by a dog, the Act may apply and you may have a claim against the owner of the dog. The Dog Bites Injury Lawyers of Paciocco& Mellow can review the law with you and tell you whether or not you have a claim.
After a dog attack has taken place, one of the most important things to do is to identify the owner of the dog. If the owner is willing to provide you with his or her name and contact information, take it down. If not, take down the address of the house or property the dog was at, a description of the dog and any name you heard the dog being called and a description of the owner and where he or she went after the attack. It is also important to take down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the attack. The local police department should also be notified of the attack as soon as possible. You should also promptly seek medical treatment for any injuries that you received during the attack from your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or the emergency room at your local hospital. Be sure to give the medical professionals treating you as much information as possible about the attack. They will record what you tell them, in an abbreviated form, in your medical record and this can be used as evidence should a lawsuit be required.
Time limitations effect the time you have to bring a lawsuit arising from a dog bite. The Dog Bites Injury Lawyers at Paciocco& Mellow can advise you on the applicable limitation period for your particular case. Generally speaking, the victim of a dog attack has two years from the date of the attack to start a lawsuit. A child or minor under the age of eighteen at the time of the attack, generally has until two years after his or her eighteenth birthday to start a lawsuit. Please contact the Personal Injury Lawyers Windsor Ontario at Paciocco& Mellow as soon as possible after your injury to make sure that you do not lose out on your right to sue.
As Windsor Ontario Injury Lawyers, the lawyers of Paciocco& Mellow are available to meet with you at our offices in Windsor, as well as in Chatham and Sarnia. We can also meet with you at your hospital room or at your home. Weekend and evening appointments are available upon request.