A dog bite attack can be a traumatic experience. Beyond the physical injuries, it often leaves lasting emotional scars and anxiety. It’s also a more common problem than many people realize. A 2016 report by Cision estimated that more than 500,000 dog bites occurred in Canada each year, amounting roughly to one bite every minute nationwide. Young children are among the most vulnerable victims, accounting for almost 30% of reported dog bite incidents. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, pursuing compensation is important for your recovery and peace of mind. It’s equally important that the dog’s owner is held responsible when their pets cause harm. At Campisi Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact a dog bite can have on victims and their families. We’re here to help you understand your legal options, establish liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Dog bites can happen anywhere, in parks, on public property, when visiting private homes, and even in your own garden. Many incidents share a common feature, an irresponsible dog owner failing in their duty of care to others.
At Campisi Law, our lawyers have successfully managed many dog bite cases throughout the city and beyond. We ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and that pet owners are held responsible. We deliver all services with compassion and understanding alongside legal excellence, relieving legal burdens so you can prioritize your well-being.
Campisi Law is home to a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers, skilled paralegals, and compassionate support staff—all working under the leadership of founding partner Joseph Campisi. A respected professor at Osgoode Hall Law School and holder of a PhD in Insurance Law, Joseph’s guidance has led to precedent-setting cases and life-changing settlements that help clients rebuild their lives.
With nearly 50 years of combined legal experience, our team is committed to helping injured people move forward after life-altering injuries.
Our dog bite injury lawyers are committed to your cause from the first moment you contact us. Throughout your claim, we prioritize:
At Campisi Law, we understand that a dog bite can be deeply traumatic. That’s why we’re committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and helping you secure the compensation you need to move forward. Your recovery, well-being, and future are at the centre of everything we do.
You are never just a file to us. We offer personal support through every stage of your recovery, legal, emotional, and practical.
Our team is led by Joseph Campisi, a professor of insurance law, and has a strong track record in dog bite and animal attack cases.
Our reputation for integrity and results is recognized not only by past clients but also by professionals, including doctors and insurers.
We've helped secure life-changing settlements and contributed to positive developments in personal injury law.
Toronto sees its share of dog attacks. Reports indicate that 1,316 dog attacks happened in Toronto in 2022. Toronto alone has over 350 dogs classified as being dangerous. That said, any dog has the potential to bite someone. Estimates put the number of dogs in the city at around 600,000, with around 45,000 of those registered. 2023 saw an increase in dog bites, despite dangerous breed legislation under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA). While certain breeds are believed to inflict greater damage or bite more frequently, organizations like the Toronto Humane Society argue that responsible ownership is more pertinent than animal appearance.
Toronto alone has over 350 dogs classified as being dangerous. That said, any dog has the potential to bite someone. Estimates put the number of dogs in the city at around 600,000, with around 45,000 of those registered. 2023 saw an increase in dog bites, despite dangerous breed legislation under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA). While certain breeds are believed to inflict greater damage or bite more frequently, organizations like the Toronto Humane Society argue that responsible ownership is more pertinent than animal appearance.
All of these nuances mean dog bite cases in Toronto can be far from clear-cut. Although DOLA places strict liability on owners, complexities can arise; for example, when ownership is in dispute or when victims may be found partially at fault, such as when trespassing.
Dealing with insurers may also be challenging. Typically, a dog owner’s homeowner or tenant insurance policy covers dog bite claims, meaning that victims must negotiate with insurance companies. Insurers commonly seek to minimize claims by downplaying injuries or delaying payments, adding stress to an already difficult situation.
Our team of dog bite personal injury lawyers helps establish clear liability and knows how to overcome common tactics used by insurance companies. We build a robust case to ensure you receive the most compensation possible.
Compensation may cover diverse aspects, including:
Our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until your claim has been resolved.
Following a dog attack injury, it is critical to do what you can to protect your rights. Failing to take certain actions may damage your claim should you choose to pursue legal action in the future. Here are the steps we recommend:
Dog bite victims normally have two years from the date of the attack or from the date of discovering the injury to start a lawsuit. However, exceptions apply for those under 18. When dog attack cases involve minors, they generally have two years from the victim turning 18 to begin a court claim.
We’ll review the circumstances of the dog bite accident, your injuries, and any medical treatment you’ve received. We’ll explain whether you may have a claim against the dog’s owner, what factors could affect your case, and potential compensation you can receive.
We’ll discuss the losses you may be able to recover, including medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring, psychological distress, and other costs related to the dog bite and your recovery.
You’ll leave the consultation with a clear understanding of your legal options and the steps you should take to protect your claim. We can also explain how to deal with the dog owner and their insurer while your injuries and losses are being assessed.
Available seven days a week. We’ll meet you wherever works best: in person, online, or by phone.
Find us here: Ajax, Aurora, Barrie, Belleville, Bowmanville, Burlington, Caledon, Downtown, Guelph, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, Markham, Mississauga, Newmarket, Oakville, Oshawa, Peterborough, Pickering, Toronto, Vaughan, Woodbridge.
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