Amherst Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are valued members of millions of families across the country. Beloved companions, service animals, protectors, and “best friends,” dogs hold a special place in the hearts of countless Amherst residents.
However, even the most adored and well-behaved pet can act unpredictably around other humans. Dogs that have never displayed any outward signs of violence or aggression towards other people have been known to attack visitors, neighbours, delivery personnel, passersby, and even small children. When dogs bite, maul, or otherwise attack unsuspecting people, the consequences can be devastating. Small children and toddlers are particularly susceptible to fatal injuries caused by dog bites. Those that survive violent encounters with dangerous dogs may bear the scars– physically and psychologically– for the rest of their lives.
In addition to sustaining physical disfigurement, scarring, musculoskeletal injuries, nerve damage, and other physical injuries, people bitten by dogs may become infected with life-threatening diseases including:
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Endocarditis
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
- And possibly more
Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the survivors of dog attacks to develop serious psychological issues. Often debilitating in nature, the psychological injuries acquired because of a dog owner’s failure to control their pet could have profound effects on an attack victim’s ability to work, and could significantly diminish their overall quality of life. Examples of psychological issues frequently developed by the injured survivors of dog attacks include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Permanent phobias
- Sleep disorders
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diminished self-esteem arising from physical disfigurement
- And more
In order to adequately address these overwhelming mental health issues, attack victims may be required to pay expensive out-of-pocket costs for psychiatric treatment, psychological counselling, prescription medications, and more. Furthermore, injured dog bite victims may incur additional expenses related to their medical treatments, reconstructive surgeries following physical disfigurement, and other injury-related costs.
If you were injured in a dog attack on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the dog’s owner. That is because, in accordance with the province’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, the owners and occupiers of both commercial and residential properties have a responsibility to take appropriate measures to protect the physical safety of people visiting their premises. If a pet owner does not properly restrain their dog or take preventative measures to reduce the risk of injuries by keeping the dog away from visitors or guests, they may be considered negligence. Even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression towards people in the past, the owner that failed to prevent the attack may be considered negligent.
Therefore, the injured victims of dog attacks may be eligible to pursue a civil claim for damages against the negligent pet owner whose dog caused them to sustain compensable injuries. If you were injured in a dog attack, our dog bite lawyersserving Amherst may be able to help you recover damages you have incurred or will incur in the future because of your injuries.
Our Amherst dog bite lawyers are passionate about providing crucial legal assistance to injured members of the local community. To learn more about how we may be able to help with your case, book a free initial consultation with our dog bite lawyers serving Amherst by calling Preszler Injury Lawyers today.
Free Consultation for Amherst Residents – We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win
After being bitten by a dog and sustaining serious injuries as a result, it can be difficult to know which actions to take next and which options for financial recovery may be available to you. To go over the details of your attack and learn if you might be entitled to financial compensation, schedule a free initial consultation with our Amherst dog bite lawyers by contacting Preszler Injury Lawyers.