Ontario Dog Bite Lawyer

Whether you’re out for a run at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park or simply taking a stroll in your Ontario neighborhood, it’s the perfect place to relish the company of your pet amid the superb climate. 

If other dogs are around, things could go south quickly. Dog bites can occur even in idyllic surroundings, often resulting in substantial medical and legal repercussions. If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses and other incurred losses.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a seasoned Ontario dog bite attorney at Banderas Law to initiate a discussion regarding your case and explore the available legal avenues for your compensation.

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Why You Should Choose Our Ontario Dog Bite Lawyers

When securing legal representation, it’s pivotal to have an attorney who possesses not only legal expertise but also a deep commitment to the well-being of their clients. 

At Banderas Law, we are pleased to introduce Attorney D. Chante El-Alam, a dedicated advocate who consistently goes above and beyond to assist individuals who have suffered injuries in various situations, such as workplace incidents, car accidents, and slip and falls.

Attorney D. Chante El-Alam brings a unique perspective to her legal practice, driven by her profound understanding of the challenges often encountered by the Latino community within the legal system. 

Her primary objective is to empower individuals and families by helping them understand their legal rights and explore the available options. Being fluent in Spanish, she provides invaluable support to our clients and their families, ensuring their rights are safeguarded while taking on formidable insurance companies.

Chante El-Alam’s impressive achievements in the legal field are a testament to her dedication. She graduated from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and has been honored as an American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Fellow. During her tenure as an ABOTA Fellow, she gained invaluable experience by participating as the second chair in two trials, shadowing a judge, and learning from some of the nation’s leading trial attorneys.

With over two decades of dedicated legal service in California, Banderas Law has firmly established itself as a fully bilingual law firm with a proven track record of success in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. 

When you entrust your case to us, you can rest assured that it will be handled by experienced professionals who understand your situation’s legal complexities.

Our commitment to our clients extends beyond providing legal representation. We understand that grappling with legal matters can be overwhelming when you should be focusing on healing and rebuilding your life.

That’s why we offer comprehensive support, including:

1. Investigation: We meticulously gather evidence to establish liability and maximize your compensation, particularly in cases involving intoxicated drivers.
2. Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We tenaciously negotiate to secure a fair settlement covering all your damages.
3. Litigation in Court: If needed, we have the experience and determination to take your case to court to ensure you receive the justice you rightfully deserve.

Our office is conveniently located near Foothill Boulevard, just off I-10. You won’t have to navigate the complexities of the city center; take a quick exit on I-10 to find us on Centre Lake Drive.

We are prepared to meet with you and discuss your legal options, offering the guidance and support you require during these challenging times. When you choose Banderas Law and Attorney D. Chante El-Alam, you select a team of personal injury lawyers in Ontario that will champion your case with care, skill, and unwavering dedication.

Dunbar Scale

The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale groups dog bites into levels based on the gravity of the injury and the dog’s behavior to help us understand the nature of the bite and respond appropriately. 

The six levels of the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale are:

• Level 1 – Aggressive Behavior: The dog displays aggressive behavior, such as growling, snapping, or lunging, but no physical contact with the person or animal.
• Level 2 – Minor Injury: The dog touches the person or animal but causes only minor injuries, including scratches or superficial puncture wounds that do not require medical attention.
• Level 3 – Superficial Bite: The dog causes a bite that breaks the skin and may cause bruising or puncture wounds. Medical attention may be required, but the injuries are not severe.
• Level 4 – Multiple Bites: The dog inflicts multiple bites, deeper wounds, and substantial bruising. Medical attention is required, and the injuries may be more severe.
• Level 5 – Maiming: The dog causes severe injuries that result in maiming but not death. This level may involve the loss of a body part, such as a finger or ear, or severe tissue damage that requires extensive medical treatment.
• Level 6 – Fatality: The dog bite results in the death of the victim.

These levels help evaluate the severity of dog bites and guide appropriate responses, including legal actions and behavioral interventions for the dog. 

If a dog has bitten you or someone you know, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

Are There any Laws in Ontario That Affect My Dog Bite Claim?

In California, if a dog bites someone in a public place or on private property (even the owner’s property), the owner is always considered responsible for the injuries caused.

Unlike some states, California doesn’t require the victim to prove that the dog owner knew the dog could be dangerous. This means the owner is accountable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before that instance.

This law also covers injuries caused by aggressive actions other than biting. For example, if a dog jumps on someone and causes them to fall and get hurt, the owner can still be held responsible.

Ontario has a leash law requiring owners to keep their dogs under the charge of a person competent to exercise care, custody, and control of a dog and on a leash shorter than 6 feet.

Who Can You Hold Liable in a California Dog Bite Claim?

In dog bite cases in California, the owner is usually held accountable for any legal responsibility. However, there are situations where someone else could be considered responsible for a dog bite.

These circumstances typically involve people with some level of control or responsibility for the dog at the time of the incident.

Here are a few scenarios in which a person other than the dog owner might be held liable:

1. Keeper or Harborer: In California, someone who doesn’t legally own the dog but had possession of the dog when the bite happened could be liable. This is often referred to as being the “keeper” or “harborer” of the dog. If someone other than the owner shares responsibility for the dog’s actions, they could both be held responsible.
2. Landlord or Property Owner: Landlords or property owners might be responsible for a dog bite if they knew a dog on their property was dangerous. This is more likely to occur when the landlord has some say in the property where the dog lives.
3. Dog Walker or Caretaker: If a professional dog walker, pet sitter, or another person was hired to care for the dog when it bites someone, they could also share the responsibility with the owner.

Determining liability in dog bite cases can be intricate. Seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney is strongly recommended to navigate the specific circumstances of each case effectively.

Although California enforces strict liability for dog bites, specific circumstances exist where a dog owner can declare defenses. These defenses may not completely exempt the owner from liability, but they can potentially lessen or negate the damages in the case.

Examples include:

Trespassing

If the victim was on private property without permission during the incident, the dog owner may contend that the injured party was trespassing. 

California’s strict liability law applies when the victim is in a public location or legally authorized to be on private property.

Provocation

If the person who was bitten provoked the dog, the dog owner may use this as a defense. Provocation includes teasing, hitting, or otherwise mistreating the dog.

Criminal Activity

If the person who the dog bit was engaging in criminal activity at the time, the dog owner may argue that the injured party’s illegal actions contributed to the incident.

What Kind of Injuries Can You Get from a Dog Bite?

Dog bites result in wounds in all severities. The most common include:

• Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can result in emotional trauma, particularly in children. Victims may experience anxiety, fear, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a dog attack.
• Fractures or Broken Bones: In severe cases, a dog bite can lead to fractures or breaks, especially in the hands, arms, or legs, particularly when someone tries to defend themselves.
• Nerve Damage: A dog bite can injure nerves, potentially causing a loss of sensation or function.
• Lacerations: More severe than puncture wounds, lacerations are tears or cuts in the skin that may require stitches or surgical repair.
• Puncture Wounds: These injuries are typically minor but deep, caused by a dog’s sharp teeth. Puncture wounds can potentially lead to infections, necessitating medical attention for wound cleaning and antibiotic treatment.
• Abrasions or Scrapes: These are superficial skin injuries caused by the dog’s teeth or claws scraping against the skin. Although less severe, they can still lead to infection and may require cleaning and dressing.
• Bruises and Contusions: Dogs may bite with enough force to cause bruises or contusions, which are areas of skin discoloration due to blood vessel damage. These injuries are usually less severe than puncture wounds or lacerations but can be painful.
• Infections: Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to infections in the bite wound, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications.

The seriousness of dog bite injuries varies depending on the dog’s size, breed, aggressiveness, and the age and health of the person bitten.

Take all dog bites seriously, and anyone who gets bitten should immediately see a doctor to prevent problems and infections.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Dog Bite?

A lawyer can assist someone who a dog has bitten through:

• Legal Advice: A lawyer can provide guidance on the victim’s legal rights and options. They can explain the relevant laws and help the victim understand if they have a valid compensation claim.
• Investigation: A lawyer can thoroughly investigate the dog bite incident. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining medical records to build a strong case.
• Negotiation: In many cases, a lawyer can negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement for the victim’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to result in a satisfactory settlement, a lawyer can file a lawsuit on behalf of the victim and represent them in court. They will work to prove liability and seek appropriate compensation through litigation.
• Advocacy: A lawyer advocates for the victim, ensuring their interests are protected and fighting for their rights throughout the legal process.
• Maximizing Compensation: Lawyers are skilled at evaluating the full extent of a victim’s damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term consequences. They work to maximize the compensation the victim receives.
• Legal Knowledge: Dog bite laws vary by jurisdiction, and a lawyer is well-versed in the specific laws and regulations in the victim’s area. This knowledge is crucial in navigating the legal system effectively.
• Peace of Mind: Having a lawyer handle the legal aspects of a dog bite case allows the victim to focus on their recovery and well-being, knowing that their legal interests are being professionally managed.

A lawyer can provide essential legal support and skill to someone bitten by a dog, helping them seek compensation for their injuries and ensuring their rights are protected.

We’re Ready to Fight for What’s Yours

Gaining back control of your life and seeking financial restitution following a dog bite is of utmost importance.

At Banderas Law, our team is prepared to provide the essential assistance you need during this difficult time, offering you a compassionate and seasoned attorney.

Take the first step towards justice by arranging a complimentary consultation with us. You won’t need to make any payments unless we effectively secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Choose Banderas Law to ensure you receive the justice and rightful compensation you deserve. Call us right now at (909) 600-0000.

Our Ontario Location

Banderas Law, PC
3401 N Centre Lake Dr #470
Ontario, CA 91761
Tel: (909) 707-0000