Why Timing Matters After a Dog Bite in Ottawa (And What You Should Do Right Away)
Dog bites can happen in an instant—but the decisions you make afterward can impact your health, recovery, and legal rights for years to come. In a dog-friendly city like Ottawa , where parks and neighbourhoods are full of pet owners, interactions between people and dogs are common. While most are harmless, some lead to serious injuries that require immediate attention. What many victims don’t realize is this: timing is everything when it comes to dog bite claims. Understanding Dog Bite Law in Ontario In Ontario, dog bite cases are governed by the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA). This law makes things straightforward: Dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites or attacks someone You don’t need to prove negligence Courts may reduce compensation if the victim contributed (e.g., provocation) In simple terms, if: A dog attacked you You suffered injuries The person responsible qualifies as an “owner” …you likely have a valid claim. Why Acting Quickly Can...