A dog attack happens in seconds but can leave lasting harm — deep bite wounds, permanent scarring, nerve and tissue damage, and the psychological trauma that so often follows, especially for children, who are the most frequent victims. Under Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act, the owner is strictly liable: you do not have to prove the dog was vicious or that the owner knew, only that the dog bit or attacked and caused your injuries.
Daniel builds these claims with the same care he brings to any serious injury file — documenting the wounds and scarring, the treatment and any surgery, and the emotional impact — and pursues recovery through the owner's homeowner's or tenant's insurance, which is usually the source of compensation. He is mindful that a bite claim can involve people who know each other, and handles it with the discretion the situation calls for.
- Medical, surgical and future treatment costs, including scar-revision surgery
- Compensation for permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Pain, suffering and psychological injury
- Lost income and, for a child, future losses
- Out-of-pocket and care expenses
The owner said the dog had never bitten anyone before — does that matter?
No. Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act imposes strict liability, so an owner is responsible for a bite or attack whether or not the dog showed aggression before. Compensation usually comes through the owner's home or tenant insurance, and the focus of the claim is the seriousness of your injuries.
Wondering whether you have a claim?
Tell Daniel what happened. He'll give you a straight read, in confidence, at no cost.