- Date: September 16th, 2015
- Victim’s Age: 35
- Victim’s Sex: Male
- Occupation: Newspaper deliveryman
- Place: Whitby, Ontario
- Compensation/ Settlement Amount: $55,007.62.
- Breed of Dog: American Bulldog
- On/Off property: Off
- Owner of the dog: Neighbour
- Chained: No
- Relationship to dog: Non-Family
- Multiple dogs: No
- Injuries sustained: two puncture wounds to his left hand.
Summary
Newspaper delivery is no easy job and certainly involves some risk. Unfortunately on September 16th, 2015 a 35-year-old delivery man became all too familiar with the dangers of his job. While delivering newspapers in the Town of Whitby he was attacked by a dog resulting in multiple puncture wounds that continue to have a lasting impact on his health.
Horrific dog attack
The 35-year-old victim had been working as a newspaper delivery man for a weekly newspaper in Whitby, Ontario, since 1997.
On September 16th, 2015, While delivering newspapers to a suburban home the victim suddenly felt something grab onto his left hand and spin him around violently. He quickly realized that it was an American Bulldog that had bit into his left hand and it was not letting go. He fought for around a minute to pry the dog’s mouth open and eventually escaped its grasp. During the fight to get his hand out a large chunk of skin was ripped off his hand. Although free from the jaws of the dog the danger continued as the dog chased him however he was able to get away and hide.
He reported the attack to the police and municipal animal services and they identified the owner of the dog and he filed a legal claim.
Victim’s Injuries from a Dog attack
The victim was left with two puncture wounds on his left hand that required 12 stitches. He was given a tetanus shot, antibiotics, and a course of medication to take since the dog had not been vaccinated against rabies. The wounds left permanent scars on his hand.
About 10 months after the attack, a lump began to form on the victim’s hand at the spot of the bite. The lump became increasingly painful and sensitive over time, requiring him to have it checked out. he was informed that he had developed what was called Dupuytren’s disease. He was referred to a plastic surgeon and underwent a surgical procedure to have the lump removed.
About a year after removing the lump another lump appeared and he had to have it surgically removed again. His doctor advised him that it’s very likely that he will continue to have reoccurrences of Dupuytren’s disease.
He continues to have weakness in his grip and cannot form a full fist, which has had a serious negative influence on his daily functioning.
The victim also developed anxiety and fear of being around dogs.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victim
The victim filed a legal claim and successfully sued the dog owner for just over $55 000.