Dogs are cherished companions for many Albertans, but an unexpected dog bite or animal attack can be a terrifying and life-altering event. Beyond the immediate physical pain and the risk of infection, victims often face lasting emotional trauma, permanent scarring, and mounting medical bills.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, taking the right steps immediately after the incident is critical—not just for your physical recovery, but for your ability to seek legal compensation. At Roberts Law we understand how overwhelming an animal attack can be. Here are the top 5 things you should do immediately after a dog bite, and how these steps directly impact your personal injury claim in Alberta.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if the bite seems minor, see a doctor or visit the emergency room right away. Dog bites have a high risk of causing infections (such as rabies or tetanus) and can cause underlying tissue or nerve damage that isn’t immediately visible.

• The Legal Impact: Your health is always the top priority, but seeing a doctor also creates an immediate medical record. This officially documents the severity of your injuries, the date of the attack, and the medical treatment required. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by arguing that an injury wasn’t severe if the victim delayed seeking treatment. A prompt, professional medical report is foundational evidence for calculating your rightful compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.

2. Identify the Dog and the Owner

If it is safe to do so, get the contact information of the person who had control of the dog at the time of the attack. Ask for their name, address, phone number, and the dog’s veterinary information (to confirm vaccination status).

• The Legal Impact: You cannot sue a dog; you must file a claim against the owner of the dog. Establishing exactly who is responsible is the very first hurdle in proving liability under Alberta law. If the owner flees the scene anonymously, your ability to claim compensation could be severely hindered.

3. Document the Scene and Your Injuries

Evidence disappears quickly. Use your smartphone to take photos of your injuries, your torn or bloody clothing, the dog (if safe), and the exact location where the attack occurred (e.g., an off-leash park, a sidewalk, or a private yard). Gather the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the attack unfold.

• The Legal Impact: Witness testimony and photographic evidence are vital. Opposing insurance adjusters often try to defend the dog owner by arguing that the victim provoked the animal or was trespassing. Contemporary evidence and independent witnesses help your lawyer shut down these defences and build an irrefutable case.

4. Report the Attack to Animal Control or Local Bylaw

Contact your local municipality’s bylaw office to report the attack.

• The Legal Impact: Reporting the incident triggers an official investigation and generates an unbiased, third-party record of the event. Furthermore, their investigation may uncover whether the dog has a history of aggression or previous bites. Under Alberta law, a dog’s history is incredibly important for establishing the owner’s liability.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Speaking to Insurance

The dog owner’s home or renter’s insurance company may reach out to you shortly after the attack. Do not give a recorded statement and do not accept a quick settlement offer before speaking with a personal injury lawyer.

• The Legal Impact: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount of money they pay out. Early settlement offers almost never account for long-term complications like permanent scarring, future reconstructive surgeries, or ongoing psychological trauma (such as a phobia of dogs or PTSD). By contacting a lawyer early, you ensure your rights are protected and that all current and future damages are accounted for before you sign away your rights.

Understanding Alberta Dog Bite Law & Compensation

In Alberta, pet owners are responsible for ensuring their animals and under their control and do not harm others. However, unlike some provinces that have “strict liability” statutes specifically for dog bites, Alberta relies heavily on common law principles. Your ability to get compensation generally rests on two main legal avenues:

• The Doctrine of Scienter (Knowledge of Propensity): This common law doctrine holds the owner strictly liable if they knew (or ought to have known) that their dog had a propensity for aggression or violence. If the dog has bitten someone before or frequently acts aggressively, and the owner knew about it, they are liable for your injuries.
• Negligence & Occupiers’ Liability: Even if the dog had never bitten anyone before (the “every dog gets one free bite” myth), the owner can still be held liable through standard negligence. For example, if the owner failed to leash the dog in a mandatory leash area, or left an aggressive dog unsupervised where it could escape. If the attack happened on the owner’s property, they could also be liable under Alberta’s Occupiers’ Liability Act for failing to ensure the reasonable safety of lawful visitors.

Alberta Case Law Highlight: McKinlay v. Zachow (2018 ABQB 365) In this notable Alberta Court of King’s Bench case, the plaintiff was bitten on the face by a dog, resulting in puncture wounds, a deep laceration, permanent scarring to her lip, and significant emotional distress. The court awarded her $30,000 in general damages (compensation strictly for pain and suffering). This case highlights how Alberta courts recognize the profound physical and psychological impact of dog bites, especially when they result in visible disfigurement and trauma.

Important: Time is of the Essence

Under Alberta’s Limitations Act, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. However, because evidence fades and witnesses forget details much sooner than that, it is highly recommended to start the legal process immediately.

Don’t Face the Aftermath Alone

A dog attack can leave you with physical scars and a fear of animals that lasts a lifetime. You shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden of someone else’s failure to control their pet.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, reach out to the experienced team at Roberts Law. Schedule a consultation today and we will evaluate your case, guide you through the legal complexities of Alberta personal injury law, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.