Dog Bite Injury

Dog bites are an all too common occurrence in Alberta. Even with the pet control measures Calgary has implemented they see hundreds of dog bites per year. In Edmonton the number of dog attacks is getting worse, increasing 18% year over year, for a projected 670 attacks in 2024.

The responsibility is on dog owners to ensure their pet is properly trained and restrained. While pet owners are responsible for your safety, it is in your best interest to stay weary when around a dog. Even if you know which signs to look for (growling, showing teeth, etc.) dog bites can occur suddenly and without warning.

Usually attacking the arms or legs, a dog attack is a traumatic experience that can cause serious bodily harm. Given the violent unexpected nature of this event, damages may extend beyond the physical into the

Physical.

• Cuts
• Sprains
• Scars
• Puncture wounds
• Muscle and Nerve Damage
• Broken Bones
• Sepsis
• Tetanus
• Rabies

Psychological

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Flashbacks
• Dog Phobia

A dog’s saliva can cause infection and it is recommended that you visit a medical professional for proper aftercare.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A DOG BITE

The first step after any accident is to secure the safety of those involved When the situation has become stable and all health concerns have been attended to, follow the below steps.

1. Collect as much information as possible. Any claim you may have will require a thorough documentation of the accident along with the information of those involved. Be sure to retain;
   • Date, time and circumstances leading to the attack
   • Dog owners name and contact information
   • Address of the accident location
   • Contact information of any accident witnesses

   Photographs are useful as evidence in your claim. Make sure to capture photos of the accident scene as well as any injuries you have sustained.

2. It is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Disinfection and proper wound dressing is required to minimize chances of infection and scarring.
   Infection after a dog bite is a possibility. Ask the dog owner for the dog’s vaccination status. If this information is unavailable or the owner is unknown, call the police or Alberta Animal Services to inquire about a dog’s infection status.
3. Continue to document your medical appointments, medications, symptoms and pain levels after the accident. This information is necessary when determining the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
4. If injuries are severe and you require medical and financial benefits to allow for an easier recovery, contact Affinity Lawyers Alberta.

WHO WILL PAY FOR MY RECOVERY?

To receive compensation after a dog bite in Alberta, it must be proven that the dog owner did not properly secure their dog and was irresponsible in preventing them from the attack. When this negligence is proven through collected documentation and witness testimony, the owner will be found liable.

In most cases, Benefits will be paid to you from the dog owner’s home insurance policy. The laws that govern animal attacks are within the Alberta Occupiers Liability Act.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE AFTER A DOG BITE?

The goal of pursuing a legal claim after a dog bite, is to recover medical and financial costs caused by the event as well as to make recompense for any emotional trauma caused.

The at fault party’s insurance company if responsible for a host available benefits including; income replacement, for lost time at work as well as any other out of pocket expenses

• Income replacement
• Loss of quality of life
• Out of Pocket Expenses
• Medical Expenses
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of earning potential

WHEN TO RETAIN A DOG BITE INJURY LAWYER

If after a dog attack you have sustained physical, emotional, psychological or financial losses, a lawyer may be right for you.

A personal injury lawyer is an expert in dog attack claims. We have seen it all and can best advocate for the benefits you need.

Affinity Lawyers takes the stress out of establishing a legal claim,

• We handle all communications with the insurance companies
• We collect and record medical documents
• We manage and maintain application deadlines
• Prove your eligibility to recover medical costs
• Fight for you to receive denied medical treatments
• Proceed to court to retrieve just compensation

It is difficult to handle a dog bite alone – especially if unfamiliar with Alberta’s legal system. If you do not have the health, time, or confidence to deal with insurance companies, file management, and legal paperwork you should call an Alberta injury lawyer.

Affinity Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until we resolve your claim. There are zero upfront costs and you are free to change your legal counsel at any time.

Focus on recovery. Let a professional work for you – for free.