Burnaby Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog ownership is so prevalent; we sometimes forget these “family members” are still animals. However, all too often, owners are aware of their beloved pet’s tendencies to bare teeth, growl, nip, bark, or otherwise act aggressively. If you or a loved one have suffered a dog attack, our Preszler team of Burnaby dog bite lawyers can help.

Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs can cause serious injuries, such as:

• Abrasions
• Broken Bones
• Bruising
• Cellulitis Infection
• Lacerations
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Rabies Infection
• Scarring

We are knowledgeable in matters of dog bite liability. When a dog owner purposefully allows a dog attack, they could face up to five years in jail and a $2,000 fine for criminal assault. When owners negligently fail to control their dogs, with known aggressive tendencies, they could spend 10 years to life in prison. On top of these criminal penalties, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue a civil lawsuit, which will help you recoup any losses from medical bills and missed time off work while working toward a financial settlement for pain and suffering.

Determining Liability 

Dog laws vary greatly by jurisdiction. In Burnaby, Bylaw 1991 states that Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers specifically, are deemed “dangerous dogs” and must be muzzled in public. All dogs over four months of age must be registered and licenced annually. Failure to comply with these laws suggests an increased level of liability.

There are many ways we can investigate a dog’s proclivities. We often flyer the neighbourhood where the dog lives to find out if anyone has witnessed the dog acting aggressively. We interview breeders, humane societies, veterinarians, animal control officers, dog trainers, and anyone else who may have intimate knowledge of the dog in question. We’ll look for evidence that the dog has been previously “impounded,” captured running wild, or ticketed for being off-leash. Ultimately, the amount of owner liability can be limited if it is determined the victim provoked the attack in some way.

What To Do After A Dog Attack 

If a dog has bitten you in Burnaby, following proper procedures is paramount to pursuing a legal claim.

• See a doctor or emergency room immediately.
• Gather information about the dog and the owner.
• Write down a physical description of what the dog looks like and the dog’s name.
• Take pictures of the wounds and document as many details as you can remember.
• Gather eyewitness contact information and encourage them to write down details of the incident.
• Contact the local Animal Services department to report the incident and prompt an investigation.
• Call a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

Contact Burnaby dog bite lawyers

Since 1959, our Canadian firm has represented victims of dog bite attacks, seeking maximum compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and PTSD. In British Columbia, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit. Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so there are no upfront fees.