If your dog bites someone, are you personally liable?
February 4, 2022
Bradley Stone
Legal Moment
Legal Moment on FM96
Transcript
| [phone ringing] | |
| Receptionist: | Cohen Highley |
| Announcer: | And now the Cohen Highley Legal Moment on FM96. |
| Announcer: | I’m with Brad Stone from Cohen Highley Lawyers. If your dog bites someone, are you personally liable? |
| Brad Stone: | Yes, the Ontario Dog Owners Liability Act applies to bites and attacks, and while owners are responsible for their dogs action, the Act provides that a person can be contributorily negligent even though they were bitten, which makes a reduction in the claim. So say the person provoked the dog, it could reduce the claim against you personally, as the dog’s Owner. |
| Announcer: | What if you’re doing your best to manage and control your dog at the time of the incident? |
| Brad Stone: | You’ll still likely be responsible. I also point out that even if the dog does not have a history of biting incidents or other issues, it won’t likely reduce your liability due to its previous good behavior. |
| Announcer: | If you want own a dog and it bites someone, does your insurance cover you? |
| Brad Stone: | Yes. Dog bites would typically be covered by your homeowner or tenant insurance policy. |
| Announcer: | Thanks Brad. This has been the Cohen Highley Legal Moment. |
| [Music] | |
| Singers: | Cohen Highley, we’re listening. cohenhighley.com |
