Ontario Dog Bite Laws and Victim Rights

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Ontario, understanding your rights and options is crucial. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, our experienced team helps you navigate dog bite law and secure compensation. Don’t face this alone; contact us at 844-844-9119 for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.

A dog bite can happen in seconds, but the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can last for months or even years. Whether it’s a child bitten while playing in a neighbor’s yard or an adult attacked while walking near Ontario Mills, dog bites are traumatic events that deserve serious legal attention.

California law provides strong protections for victims of dog attacks, and Ontario residents have the right to seek compensation if injured. However, many victims are unsure about the steps to take or whether the dog’s owner can be held legally responsible.

The good news: California follows a strict liability standard for dog bites, meaning owners can be held accountable even if the dog has no history of aggression. You don’t have to prove negligence; you just have to prove the bite happened.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key details of dog bite law in Ontario, explain your rights, and help you understand what to do after an attack.

Overview of California Dog Bite Law

California has some of the most victim-friendly dog bite laws in the country. Under California Civil Code § 3342, commonly known as the “dog bite statute,” the owner of a dog is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes, regardless of the animal’s past behavior.

This means that if you’re bitten by a dog in a public place (like a park or sidewalk) or while lawfully on private property (such as visiting a friend’s home), the owner is automatically responsible for your injuries. You do not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had previously bitten someone.

There are only a few exceptions, such as:

• If the victim was trespassing on private property
• If the victim provoked the dog intentionally
• If the dog was a law enforcement animal performing official duties

This strict liability rule makes it much easier for victims to pursue claims, especially compared to other forms of personal injury cases, where fault must be proven.

Ontario residents who suffer bites can file claims for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The law also allows children and parents of injured minors to bring claims on their behalf.

To recover full compensation, you must act quickly and document the incident thoroughly. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence, report the attack to animal control, and hold the dog owner accountable.

Strict Liability Dog Bites in Ontario

Suppose you’ve been bitten by a dog in Ontario, CA. In that case, you are protected under California’s strict liability law, which means the dog’s owner is responsible for your injuries, even if they took precautions or had no prior warning their dog might bite.

This rule applies in most typical scenarios, including:

• Being bitten while walking through Ontario parks or neighborhoods
• Injuries that occur at a friend’s house or during a social visit
• Attacks at rental properties, apartment complexes, or Airbnb listings
• Dog bites occurring in pet-friendly retail stores or public venues

What matters most is that you were lawfully present in the location where the bite occurred and that you did not provoke the animal. You don’t need to prove the dog had a history of violence. Even first-time bites are fully compensable under California law.

The City of Ontario also requires owners to comply with local leash and containment ordinances. If a dog was off-leash or running loose when it attacked, this can further support your claim.

However, strict liability doesn’t always guarantee easy recovery. Insurance companies may try to blame the victim, minimize injuries, or delay payment. That’s why working with a legal professional who understands strict liability dog bites in Ontario is critical to securing the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident

Dog bite injuries can be painful, traumatic, and dangerous, especially if they’re not treated properly or documented in time. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Ontario, CA, here are the key steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Get Immediate Medical Attention

Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to seek medical care. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or scarring. Prompt treatment also creates a medical record that supports your claim.

2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Get the dog owner’s name, contact information, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance details. Try to confirm whether the dog is vaccinated, especially against rabies.

3. Report the Bite to Ontario Animal Control

File an official report with Ontario Animal Services or the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. This helps track dangerous animals and creates an official incident record.

4. Document Everything

Take photos of your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if possible. Save medical bills, written statements, and anything related to the incident.

5. Contact a Dog Bite Attorney

Before speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company, speak to a team of dog bite lawyers in Ontario, CA, who understand dog bite law in Ontario. They can protect your claim, handle negotiations, and fight for full compensation.

Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Ontario, California, the law is on your side. As a victim, you have the right to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injuries. Under the state’s strict liability statute, you are not required to prove the dog’s owner was negligent, only that the bite occurred while you were lawfully present.

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses (both current and future)
• Lost wages from time away from work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma or disfigurement
• Out-of-pocket costs (e.g., medications, travel to treatment)

Children, postal workers, delivery drivers, and guests injured on private property are all protected under this law. In addition, parents or guardians can file claims on behalf of injured minors.

If the dog owner is insured through renters, homeowners, or umbrella coverage, their policy may cover your damages. If not, you may still have legal options for recovery through the court system.

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we help dog bite victims in Ontario and the surrounding areas stand up for their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait. Contact us today by calling 844-844-9119 for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step forward.