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Dogs can be loving and loyal companions, but even well-behaved canines can bark, run away, and in some cases bite another person. This can happen if the dog is around unfamiliar people and feels scared, or has a propensity to attack due to a lack of training. Regardless, being attacked by a dog can produce painful and expensive injuries.
One of our dog bite lawyers in Chilliwack can help you file a claim for compensation when someone else holds liability for what happened. It is usually the owner’s responsibility for their pet’s behavior, but sometimes there are obstacles, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help navigate them. Our law firm has over 50 years of collective experience in these cases and knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
A dog bite injury could range from minor to life-threatening. A canine’s sharp teeth can cause cuts and bleeding, but it could also be deep enough to require stitches and leave permanent scars. The teeth could also strike at just the right point to cause nerve damage and a loss of feeling. Some dogs may instinctually go for the face or neck area, which could puncture an eye and leave the person blind. A bite to the neck could result in death in the worst-case scenario.
A dog’s teeth can break the protective layer of skin allowing germs or parasites to enter the body. While the wound may heal, the illness from an infection could last months. Rabies is an extremely rare infection, but it is transmitted from being bitten by an infected animal, and is almost always fatal if not treated immediately.
Getting attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience and can even result in long-term emotional trauma. Dogs are usually loving and affectionate, but a bite victim can develop a fear of all dogs. A lawyer at Zacharias Vickers McCann LLP in Chilliwack can work with an injured party to determine which dog bite damages to include in the claim.
When a dog bites someone, the blame usually falls on the animal’s owner because they should have control over their pet. However, there are circumstances that can make it a challenge to hold an owner responsible, and a skilled lawyer can navigate through these challenges.
British Columbia has what is known as the “one-bite rule,” which means that if a dog has previously bitten someone, the owner should be aware of the animal’s behavior and take reasonable steps to prevent a second bite. If the dog subsequently bites someone, the owner will be liable for injuries.
The owner may still be responsible if their animal bites someone for the first time if they were negligent. Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets, including proper training and use of a leash. If someone gets attacked by a poorly trained, off-leash dog, the owner can be found negligent in their responsibility to care for their pet. Poor behavior is not the dog’s fault, because its owner must provide proper training.
Similarly, if a guest on the owner’s property gets attacked by their dog, the owner can be held liable under the Occupier’s Liability Act. This law places a duty of care on property owners to ensure that it is safe for visitors, which includes minimizing the risk that their dog could hurt someone.
Dog bite cases are complex, and require a careful examination of the facts to craft a claim against the animal’s owner. A seasoned dog bite lawyer in Edmonton can review the facts and develop a case to hold the owner responsible for their pet’s actions.
If you have been hurt by a dog, one of our Chilliwack lawyers, who specialize in dog bites can help you file a claim for compensation to address the cost of your injuries. You likely have conflicting feelings about blaming a dog and its owner, especially if the owner is someone you know.
The compassionate lawyers at Zacharias Vickers McCann understand these feelings and can help put you at ease. Typically, the owner has insurance to cover their liabilities, so it would be the Insurance Company paying the claim, and the dog will usually not be punished. Get in touch with Zacharias Vickers McCann for a free consultation to discuss your case.