Dog attacks can be violent, abrupt and life-changing. Dog bite injuries can have serious physical and psychological effects on victims. In California, a strict liability law applies to dog bite cases. Under this statute, victims typically do not have to prove that a pet owner was to blame to be eligible for financial compensation.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Ontario, California, specialized legal representation from an experienced dog bite injury attorney near you can be critical. The right lawyer can help you maximize your physical, emotional and financial recoveries during this sensitive time.
At Jacoby & Meyers, your healthy recovery and success are our goals. Our Ontario personal injury lawyers are to help you.
Contact us with the online form or call 909-316-5154 to find out how we can help you during a free dog bite injury case evaluation in Ontario.
Understanding California’s Dog Bite Laws
Your legal options after a harmful dog attack depend on the state where the incident occurs. Most states use either strict liability or a “one-bite” law to determine who is liable, or financially responsible, for a dog bite injury. California is a strict liability state under Civil Code Section 3342.
California’s strict liability law protects Ontario dog bite victims by enabling them to receive financial compensation without having to prove that the pet owner was negligent, or did not act with reasonable care to prevent the incident. However, there are exceptions, such as if the dog was defending itself from provocation or harassment or if the victim was trespassing on private property.
In the event that the strict liability law does not apply to your dog bite injury case, you may still be able to recover compensation from the pet owner with evidence that he or she was negligent. A common example is a violation of animal control laws, such as local leash laws, San Bernardino County animal control regulations or Ontario municipal codes regarding vicious dogs.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries in Ontario Cases
Claimants in dog bite injury cases in Ontario often have a lot on the line. Dog attacks can inflict a severe level of injury on victims – especially vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The injuries sustained in a dog attack could lead to thousands of dollars in medical care alone.
Serious injuries often connected to dog attacks include:
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Hand and arm injuries from defensive actions
- Puncture wounds and soft-tissue damage
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Broken bones from falls during attacks
- Crush injuries from the strength of the dog’s jaws
- Nerve damage and loss of function
- Infections and complications (including rabies concerns)
- Psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Fatal dog attacks and wrongful death cases
The most high-risk areas for severe dog attacks in Ontario include dog parks, public spaces, shopping areas such as Ontario Mills, apartment complexes and neighborhoods. Dog bite injuries may involve children, dog walkers or pet sitters, delivery personnel, service workers, apartment tenants, and attacks by stray or escaped dogs.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Ontario?
Although the most common defendant or accused party in a dog bite injury claim in Ontario is the owner of the pet, this may not be your only option. State law permits the recovery of damages or financial compensation from other parties if they contributed to the incident in any way.
While dog owners face primary responsibility for most bite incidents in Ontario, other possibilities include:
- Property owners for failing to ensure safe premises
- Landlords who knowingly allow dangerous dogs to live on the property
- Dog sitters and caretakers responsible for controlling the dog
- Animal shelters and adoption agencies
- Businesses that allow dogs on the premises
- Parents of minors who own dogs
- Government entities responsible for animal control
Most dog bite injury cases can be filed with a pet owner’s homeowners insurance policy. However, you may encounter challenges, such as coverage disputes and exclusions, only renter’s insurance available, an uninsured dog owner, or insurance company tactics used to minimize your payout. If any complications arise, it is in your best interest to promptly contact a dog bite injury attorney in Ontario.
Evidence Needed for Your Ontario Dog Bite Case
California’s strict liability dog bite statute may make it easier for victims to receive financial compensation for their losses than in other states, but it is still imperative to collect evidence and proof to support your claim.
You can benefit from gathering the following information:
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Hospital bills and other evidence of monetary losses
- Animal control and police incident reports
- Photographs of injuries and attack location
- Prior incident history of the dog
- Witness statements and testimony
- Expert testimony on dog behavior and injuries
- Documentation of leash law or other legal violations
- Proof of dog ownership and residence
An attorney with experience handling dog bite injury cases in California will know how to take immediate action to preserve and collect key evidence to support your case. A law firm will also have connections to highly qualified experts who can strengthen your odds of case success.
Compensation Available to Ontario Dog Bite Victims
Before you pursue financial compensation for a dog bite injury in Ontario, start by ensuring your health and safety. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries and document the scene with photographs. Report the attack to Ontario Animal Services and write down a description of events in your own words. Preserve any clothing that was damaged in the attack.
When you are ready to file a claim, start by contacting an Ontario dog bite injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation for your existing and future medical expenses, plastic surgery and scar revision procedures, lost wages, permanent disability or disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, wrongful death damages if the attack was fatal for a loved one, and more.
Request a Free Consultation With a Specialized Ontario Dog Bite Attorney Today
The right attorney for your Ontario dog bite injury case is one with knowledge of local animal control laws and procedures, as well as experience handling this type of case. Look for a track record of successful dog bite settlements, the resources to properly handle your case and familiarity with San Bernardino County courts.
Let us guide you through your dog bite injury claim and get the justice you deserve so that you can get back to the life you love. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for your claim. Contact us today for a no-cost case consultation at our local Ontario law office. Reach us directly at (909) 316-5154.