Your Rights After a Dog Bite: Child Attacked in Toronto Park

Incident in Little Norway Park

A harrowing incident in Toronto’s Little Norway Park has underscored the critical importance of understanding the legal rights and responsibilities related to dog ownership in Ontario.

According to Global News and other media outlets, on March 23, a child suffered serious, life-altering injuries after being viciously attacked by an off-leash dog.

The attack, occurring near Lake Shore Boulevard West and Bathurst Street, resulted not only in severe physical harm to the child but also led to the arrest of the dog owner, Patrycja Siarek, on several charges, including criminal negligence and failing to prevent the dog from biting or attacking.

In response to an increase in dog attacks, the city has implemented new measures, aiming to enhance public safety and prevent future incidents.

These include making a public list of dangerous dogs and exploring discounted training for owners of dangerous dogs.

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• Personal injury lawyer discusses dog attacks on 640 Toronto

Dog Bite Rights in Ontario

This tragic event highlights the urgent need for awareness about the legal rights of individuals and the responsibilities of dog owners under Ontario law, especially regarding the Dog Owners’ Liability Act.

Here’s what you need to know if you or a loved one are ever involved in a dog bite incident:

Dog Owners Are Liable: Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act establishes that dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their pet causes, regardless of the dog’s past behaviour. In our experience, this law almost always results in compensation for the injured victims, reinforcing the owner’s responsibility to take all reasonable measures to prevent incidents.

Home Owners’ Insurance: Typically, a dog owner’s home insurance policy will pay for a victim’s injuries and damages. This includes compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and any other related costs, alongside defending the homeowner against legal claims.

Steps Following a Dog Bite

If you find yourself or a loved one in this unfortunate situation, there are three essential steps to take immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Health and safety are paramount. Immediately addressing any injuries sustained from the dog bite is crucial for your well-being and recovery.
2. Report the Incident: Reporting the attack to local animal and bylaw services not only aids the legal process but also plays a vital role in community safety by potentially preventing future incidents.
3. Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP: For a FREE consultation about your dog bite case in Ontario, reaching out to our experienced personal injury lawyers is your next critical step. We understand the pain and uncertainty that follows a dog attack and are here to guide you through seeking the proper compensation to support your recovery.

How We Can Help

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our expertise and experience in personal injury law, including incidents involving dog bites, position us as a critical resource for victims seeking justice and compensation.

We know every dog bite case brings its unique set of challenges and emotional turmoil.

Here’s how we can assist:

• Expert Legal Advice: Offering a comprehensive legal consultation, we aim to understand the specifics of your case and advise on the best course of action, tailoring our approach to meet your individual needs.
• Navigating Insurance Claims: We navigate the complexities of insurance processes to ensure victims receive the compensation they are due, alleviating the stress during this challenging time.
• Dedicated Pursuit of Compensation: Our goal is to secure full compensation for all injuries and damages incurred, so you can focus on your recovery.

Take the Next Step

The aftermath of a dog bite can be traumatic and overwhelming, but you are not alone.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a dog bite incident, reaching out for our legal support is a crucial step towards recovery.

With a free, no-obligation consultation, we aim to ease some of the burden you’re carrying — offering a path forward to healing and recovery.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout this challenging time.

Contact us to explore your rights and how we can help you achieve the compensation and closure you deserve.