In British Columbia, pet owners and caregivers are responsible for keeping their animals under control at all times. For example, they must abide by leash laws and cannot allow their dogs to roam the neighborhood freely. They also have duties to protect others if they know their animal has dangerous propensities. Failure to obey these rules could result in terrible harm to others and legal liability for the negligent owner.
You could be entitled to compensation if you suffered injuries from a dog bite or other animal attack in B.C. Knowing the appropriate steps to take to protect yourself in the aftermath of an attack is important. Read on for advice from the Vancouver personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP. Then contact us to learn more about how we can help you pursue justice and accountability for your losses. Our consultation is free.
Get Medical Help
Seek medical attention immediately after an animal attack. Animal bites can lead to severe infections, such as rabies or tetanus, which require immediate intervention. Regardless of the apparent severity of the injury, a healthcare professional can diagnose and treat it appropriately and then document everything in your medical records.
Obtain copies of all medical records, including:
- Emergency room or urgent care records – Get documentation of your initial medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment you received at the hospital or urgent care facility.
- Medical reports and charts – Request detailed records from healthcare providers outlining the nature and extent of your injuries, their treatment plans, and overall progress notes.
- Medication records and prescriptions – Document all injury-related medications you take after the incident, including the dosage, duration, and purpose of each prescription.
- Medical bills and invoices – Keep records of any medical costs you had to pay out of pocket, such as ambulance rides, prescription medications, and elective cosmetic surgeries.
- Diagnostic tests and imaging – Request copies of any diagnostic tests performed, such as X-rays, MRIs, or lab results. These reports can demonstrate the nature and extent of your injuries.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy records – Save documentation showing your progress and attendance in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other therapeutic programs.
A comprehensive collection of medical records will strengthen your personal injury claim and help your lawyer establish the extent of your injuries, your need for ongoing care, and how the animal attack has affected your life.
Report the Attack to the Authorities
After receiving medical treatment, report the incident to your local authorities. Reporting the attack creates an official record that can be useful in any future legal proceedings.
In Vancouver, you can file a report online by logging into the Van311 app. Alternatively, you can contact your local animal control office by phone. When you prepare your report, be sure to include the details of the attack, including a description of the animal and the location of the incident. Ask for a copy of the report for your records.
Try to Find the Animal’s Owner
If the animal that attacked you is not wild or stray, identifying its owner is essential in pursuing compensation. If possible, get the owner’s name, address, and phone number. If the attack involved a dog, ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccinations and other relevant documentation. If you cannot locate an owner, ask neighbors or witnesses if they can provide any information.
Take Notes About the Incident
Recording as much information as possible is vital in the attack’s aftermath. Write down the details of the incident in your own words, including the date, time, and location of the incident, plus a description of the animal. If there were any witnesses, ask them for their contact information and statements about what they saw.
Take photos of your injuries and the location of the attack. Keep all clothing or personal items that sustained damage during the incident. Physical evidence can be valuable to support your claim. Keep a journal of your recovery progress, detailing any physical or emotional challenges you face, as well as any missed work and other personal or financial losses.
Know Your Legal Rights
In British Columbia, victims of animal attacks have a right to seek compensation for their injuries. The law holds animal owners responsible for their pets’ actions, making them liable for any harm their animals cause. Victims can seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. An experienced lawyer can help you explore your options and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Contact the Animal Attack Lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP
Navigating the legal system after an animal attack may seem daunting, but Warnett Hallen LLP is here to help. Our Vancouver animal attack lawyers will pursue your claim aggressively, providing compassionate support and professional advice every step of the way.
When you choose Warnett Hallen LLP, you can count on us to:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the animal attack
- Identify all responsible parties and sources of compensation for your losses
- Collect and preserve essential evidence to support your claim
- Handle all communication with the animal’s owner and their insurer
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters to obtain a fair and just settlement
- Prepare and advocate for you in court if necessary
At Warnett Hallen LLP, we believe everyone who suffers injuries in an animal attack deserves justice and fair financial compensation. We offer free case reviews to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Don’t let the aftermath of an animal attack overwhelm you. Call Warnett Hallen LLP today or contact us online for a free consultation. Let our experienced personal injury lawyers fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
