What to Do After a Dog Bite in Ontario: Protecting Your Rights
Being bitten or attacked by a dog is a frightening experience. Knowing the right steps to take can protect your health and preserve your legal rights. Here's what to do if you are injured by a dog in Ontario:
Four Essential Steps Following a Dog Bite:
1. Gather Crucial Information:
Dog Owner Details: Insist on obtaining the dog owner’s full name and address. This information is vital for any potential damage claims and accessing the dog’s medical records. Consider taking a photo of their driver’s license if possible.
Call 911 If Necessary: If the dog owner is uncooperative, evasive, or the situation is serious, contact 911 immediately. Report the dog owner’s behavior and follow their instructions. Be aware that due to privacy laws, obtaining owner information from authorities later can be challenging.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Don’t Delay Treatment: For serious injuries, go directly to the hospital emergency room or call 911. Even for seemingly minor bites, promptly seek medical attention.
Document Everything: Keep all medical records, including doctor’s notes, treatment plans, and receipts for medication. Following medical advice diligently strengthens your potential claim for compensation.
3. Report the Incident to Animal Control:
Contact Local Authorities: A dog bite report initiates an investigation and creates a record of the incident. Search online or consult with Dogbite Lawyer In Toronto to find your local animal control agency.
Community Safety: Reporting the incident helps enforce bylaws and prevent future incidents, ensuring community safety.
4. Preserve All Evidence:
Visual Documentation: Take photos and videos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and any surrounding details. Note the presence of any video surveillance cameras.
Gather Physical Evidence: Preserve any torn clothing, and keep organized records of all communication, medical bills, and other relevant documents.
Witness Information: If anyone witnessed the attack, obtain their full names, phone numbers, and email addresses if possible.
Remember, following these steps can be crucial in protecting your rights and seeking fair compensation if you decide to pursue a dog bite claim.
Been bitten by a dog? We’re here to help. As your first step, promptly report the incident to your local Animal Control. This list will guide you to the correct agency in your area of Ontario.
Ajax Dog Bite Injury – Ajax Dog Bite Reporting to Animal Services – Call 905-683-8275 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Alliston Dog Bite Injury – New Tecumseth Canine Control – Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Aurora Dog Bite Injury – Aurora Animal Services– Call 1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Barrie Dog Bite Injury –Barrie Enforcement Services – Call (705) 739-4241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Beeton Dog Bite Injury – New Tecumseth Canine Control – Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Belleville Dog Bite Injury – Belleville Animal Control– Call (613)-966-4483 and report the dog bite. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Bowmanville Dog Attack Injury: Bowmanville Animal Control– Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. Remember to keep the Reference Number. Also Call 905-623-7651.
Bracebridge Dog Bite Injury: Bracebridge Animal Services– Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. T: 705-645-5264 x 3250. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brampton Dog Bite Injury: Brampton Animal Services – Call 905.458.5800 or 311 or contact local police for guidance. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brantford Dog Bite Injury – Brantord Animal Control Regulatory Services – kCall 519-759-4150 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brant Dog Bite Injury – County of Brant Animal Control By Law – Click the link and report a complaint online.
Burlington Dog Attack Injury – Burlington By-Law Enforcement– Call 905-335-3030 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Caledon Dog Bite Injury – Town of Caledon Report a Problem – Call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Online submission also available at the link provided. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cambridge Dog Bite Injury – Cambridge Animal Control – Call (519) 623-6323 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cavan Monaghan Dog Bite Injury – Cavan-Monaghan Animal By-Laws– Call 705-760-6968 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Chatham-Kent Dog Bite Injury – P.A.W- Pet and Wildlife Rescue– Call 226-996-9969 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Clarington Dog Attack Injury: Clarington Animal Control– Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. Remember to keep the Reference Number. Also Call 905-623-7651.
Clearview Dog Bite Injury: Clearview Animal Services– Call 705-428-6230 x 241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cobourg Dog Bite Injury – Cobourg Animal Services– Call 905-372-4301 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Creemore Dog Bite Injury: Clearview Animal Services– Call 705-428-6230 x 241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Collingwood Dog Bite Injury: Collingwood Animal Control– Call 705-445-1030 ext. 3254 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
East Gwillimbury Dog Bite Injury – Aurora Animal Services– Call1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Georgina Dog Attack Injury –Georgina Animal Services – Call 1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Hamilton Dog Bite Injury –Hamilton Dog Attack– Call Animal Control at 905-574-3433 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
London, Ontario Dog Bite Injury: London Animal Care and Control Call: 519-685-1330 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Mississauga Dog Bite Injury – Mississauga Animal Emergencies and Rescue – Call 905-896-5858, ext 3932 or Call 311 or Report to Peel Regional Police. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
New Tecumseth Dog Attack Injury –New Tecumseth Canine Control – Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Niagara-on-the-lake Dog Attack
Ontario Ministry of Attorney General on Dogs
Orillia Dog Bite Injury – Orillia Animal Control – Call 705-325-2313 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Ottawa Dog Attack Injury – Report a Problem with Dogs – Call 613-580-2400 or call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Tottenham Dog Bite Injury – New Tecumseth Canine Control– Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Toronto Dog Bite Injury – Toronto Dog Bite Attacks What To Do – Call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Vaughan Dog Bite Injury – Vaughan Animal Control By-law– Call 905-832-2281 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
3 Mistakes to Avoid After a Dog Bite in Ontario
If you’ve been seriously injured by a dog, protecting your rights is crucial. Avoid these common pitfalls that could jeopardize your potential claim:
1. Never Let the Dog Owner Leave Without Providing Full Contact Information
It’s tempting to let the owner go, especially if they seem apologetic. However, some individuals may try to evade responsibility, especially if they are strangers.
Get Full Details: Insist on getting their full legal name, phone number, and home address. If possible, take a picture of their driver’s license.
Don’t Rely Solely on Authorities: While calling the police or Animal Control is important, obtaining owner information from them later can be extremely difficult due to privacy laws. Secure it at the scene.
2. Don’t Accept a Quick and Easy Settlement
The dog owner may offer to cover immediate medical expenses and urge you to drop the matter.
Think Long-Term: A quick settlement often undervalues your claim, especially for serious injuries with ongoing medical costs, lost wages, or emotional distress.
Consult a Lawyer: A dog bite lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages and fight for fair compensation.
3. Do Not Communicate Directly with the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company
They’re Not on Your Side: The insurer’s primary goal is to protect their client, the dog owner, and minimize payouts.
Anything You Say Can Be Used Against You: What you tell them can impact your case, even seeming harmless statements.
Refer Them to Your Lawyer: Once you have legal representation, all communication should go through your lawyer, who will protect your interests.
Remember: You have rights as a dog bite victim. By taking the right steps early on, you can avoid these common mistakes and build a stronger case for rightful compensation should you need it.
Don't Wait: Seek Medical Care After a Dog Bite
Dog bites are more than just painful—they pose a risk of infection and other complications. Your health is paramount; never hesitate to seek medical attention.
Here’s what to do:
Seek Immediate Medical Care:
For any bite that breaks the skin, visit a doctor or urgent care facility as soon as possible.
If the injury is severe, call 911 or go directly to the hospital emergency room. This includes:
Heavy bleeding
Deep puncture wounds
Bites to the face, head, neck, or hands
Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus)
Concerns about rabies
While Waiting for Medical Professionals:
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
Apply an antiseptic to the wound, if available.
Remember: Dog bites can cause internal injuries, broken bones, and other serious medical conditions that may not be immediately apparent. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional medical evaluation.
Prompt medical attention not only safeguards your well-being but also creates a record of your injuries, which is essential for any potential legal action.