Nanaimo Dog Bite Lawyer

In one year, State Farm paid $108 million for 3,670 dog bite claims in Canada, with an average claim just under $20,000. The Canadian Safety Council estimates there are 460,000 dog bite incidents every year among children under 10 years of age. To put this into perspective: that’s more emergency room visits than playground accidents, ATV collisions, rollerblades, and skateboards, according to the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine.

Dog bites are, in fact, a serious problem in Canada. With so many animal control departments woefully understaffed, dog bite victims are forced to take matters into their own hands and sue negligent dog owners. If this has happened to you, our Preszler team of Nanaimo dog bite lawyers are standing by ready to advocate for you.

Nanaimo Dog Bite Laws

Dog bites in British Columbia are governed by the “Dangerous Dog Law,” passed on August 30, 2000. According to this law, “There is no rule that every dog is entitled to one bite before the owner is held responsible for vicious acts by their dog. The law recognizes that every dog has the potential to bite and that owners must safeguard the public.”

Punishments for dog owners range from fines of up to $2,000 and up to five years in jail for criminal assault, or 10 years to life imprisonment for negligence. Dog owners can also be sued in civil court. In most cases, a dog owner’s insurance policy pays for the dog bite claim. However, insurers may drop dog owners from their policies if they have animals that were not registered.

Additionally, Nanaimo has a city bylaw that says dogs roaming communities at-large without their owners can be impounded. Dogs may be seized from an owner if animal control officers deem them dangerous and the owner agrees, or if a warrant is obtained.

Nanaimo’s Bylaw 4923 restricts pit bull breeds, meaning that they must be muzzled when not at home and kept in a secure enclosure. Exceptions may apply when dogs are Canine Good Neighbour certified or Canadian Kennel Club registered. 

What Damages Are Available for Dog Bite Claims? 

A dog owner is legally responsible for covering damages related to:

• Medical Bills – All costs related to the injury – doctor bills, specialist visits, plastic surgery, hospital services, medication, physical therapy, and psychiatric counselling can all be covered.
• Lost Income – Time off work for medical diagnosis, treatment, and recuperation will be reimbursed. Loss of future earning capacity is often included when a person is permanently impaired.
• Pain and Suffering – An estimation is included for loss of enjoyment in life, physical pain and limitation, anxiety, and sadness caused by disfiguration. Sometimes actual damages are multiplied by 2-5x.
• Loss of Services – Family members may be able to claim a loss of companionship or guidance.
• Punitive Damages – If a dog had bitten someone before or if the owner’s conduct was particularly outrageous, the owner can be held liable for double or triple damages.

Dog Bite Limitation Period in B.C. 

You have up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for a dog bite. However, it’s best to get started working on the case right away, while evidence and memory are freshest.

Where To Find Nanaimo Dog Bite Lawyers

If you’re looking for Nanaimo dog bite lawyers, expand your search to include Preszler Injury Lawyers across the pond in Richmond. We have served Canadians for more than 60 years. Contact us for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you choose our representation, you pay us nothing until we recover money on your behalf.