Penticton Dog Bite Lawyer
Even after a dog bite heals, the psychological scars may remain. Of course, for many victims, there are permanent physical reminders of the attack. Serious dog bites may result in scarring and disfigurement. It also has the potential to negatively impact the rest of your life.
For more than 50 years, our dog bite law firm has helped many victims of negligent and reckless behaviour. Contact us today, and we might be able to do the same for you— obtaining the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.
Dog bite injuries
Even minor dog bite injuries can cause infection, including life-threatening MRSA, so seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. Serious dog bites injuries may result in:
- Amputation
- Bone fractures
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Loss of function
Victims may fall due to the force of the attack and suffer head, back, or other injuries. The emotional trauma may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a bad mauling, plastic surgery may be necessary.
Dog bite liability
Liability for dog bites in British Columbia depends on several circumstances. First, it is imperative to identify the dog’s owner. That may prove difficult if the dog was loose at the time of the incident. Report the bite to the police and the local animal control department. Even if the animal control department is able to locate a stray dog, if the owner doesn’t come forward or is identified, you cannot pursue your claim.
Under the Doctrine of Scienter, every dog gets the equivalent of one free bite. That means the owner is not liable if the animal has never bitten or shown aggression to anyone in the past. Supposedly, the owner did not know of the animal’s propensity for biting.
However, many dog bites occur because the owner was negligent and is thus liable. Liability may run the gamut from disobeying leash laws to not properly securing a gate, allowing the dog to escape.
When you know the owner
Sometimes, dog bite victims do not want to file a claim or even report the incident because the owner is a friend, neighbour, or even a relative. This is understandably a sensitive situation. However, if you or your child were badly injured, you want to ensure this doesn’t happen again. If you do not report it, and the dog injures someone else, the owner may once again not be liable because there is no official record of that first bite.
Keep in mind that the owner of the dog is not personally paying compensation to the victim. The funds will come from their homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance policy. That is true even if the incident did not occur on their property.
Contact our Preszler team of Penticton dog bite lawyers
If a dog bite injured you or a loved one, contact a dedicated Penticton personal injury lawyer at our firm. Scheduled a free consultation by calling or texting 24/7 or filling out our online contact form. We can help you obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries. After reviewing your case, we will let you know your options. Because we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless we win.
