Pet Liability

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Pet owners have an important responsibility to take reasonable care to ensure that their pets do not cause harm to others.  Unfortunately, all too often reasonable care is not taken by pet owners, and pets – generally dogs—can end up causing serious injuries.  In this instance, you may have a claim against its owner, particularly if the dog has a recorded history of aggressiveness.   If the owner has home insurance, it is possible the policy will cover you losses.  If the owner is uninsured, he or she would need to have assets to pay any settlement or judgment in your favour.

At Rice Harbut Elliott, we act for victims who have suffered injuries from dog bites and attacks.  The most important thing for you to do after a dog-inflicted injury is to get medical attention.  Even if you feel that your injuries are minor, it is important to remember medical records can serve as crucial evidence in your case.  If you are well enough to do so after your injury, collect contact details from the pet owner, and anyone who witnessed the incident, and take photos or videos of the animal and your injuries.  In most cases, it is also important to secure evidence about the animal’s previous acts of aggression, if any.

Contacting our law firm early will give you the best chance of succeeding in a lawsuit against the pet owner, as important evidence may be lost or details forgotten if you wait too long.  Do not delay in contacting us for your free legal consultation.