The Six Levels of Dog Bites

Most of the time, a dog’s bark is worse than its bite. But not always. Sometimes dogs do bite, and with varying levels of severity. A bite can be minor and cause little to no harm, but in some cases a dog bite can be much more serious.

Dog bites can also have legal implications. If you’re bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. The severity of the dog bite will be an important factor to consider in a legal claim. To help judge and categorise the seriousness of dog bites, a number of dog bite scales have been devised. Here we explain Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Dog Bite Scale, a commonly used and easy-to-understand system for judging how severe a dog bite is.

What is a level 1 dog bite?

Aggression but no direct skin contact

The dog displays aggressive behaviour, like growling, loud barking, showing its teeth and snapping. The dog might attack and lunge. It might attempt to bite, and even snag its teeth on your clothing, but no contact is made by the dog’s teeth and your skin. A level 1 dog bite won’t require medical care, but the incident can be distressing and your clothes and belongings may be damaged.

Level 1 dog bites can result from a dog being scared or stressed and can serve as a warning for you to back away. These bites can also occur during play, especially play that gets boisterous. If you’re with a dog that appears to be anxious or over-stimulated, slowly back away and give them space. Ideally put distance between yourself and the dog, such as by leaving or going into a different room.

What is a level 2 dog bite?

Teeth make skin contact but don’t pierce

On top of aggressive behaviour, the dog bites you. The dog’s teeth make contact with your skin, but don’t break it.

The dog’s teeth may leave a mark on your skin. There can be bruising and there may be some limited bleeding if teeth cause scratches and nicks – although without any vertical punctures. The dog’s claws may also cause scratches and marks.

This kind of bite is often called an inhibited bite or a warning bite, as the dog is sending a message that they’re really not happy or that they’re stressed or frightened. It’s the kind of bite that can happen when a dog is taken to see someone like a vet or dog groomer for the first time, and the dog is unsure of itself. The best way to reduce the chances of harm in this situation is to try to de-escalate the situation by giving the dog space, as well as reassuring and calming them down.

What is a level 3 dog bite?

A single bite with shallow wounds

Level 3 bites are medium severity incidents. One bite breaks the skin, with one to four teeth causing a puncture, but to a depth of less than half the dog’s canine teeth. The dog doesn’t shake with the bite, but there may be some tearing and laceration as you pull away or separate.

A dog can bite in this way for a number of reasons, but usually not as a result of over-enthusiastic play. A level 3 bite tends to result from a dog feeling threatened or territorial, often within their own home. This kind of attack may be a particular concern for postal workers, delivery drivers or anyone else who has to visit other people’s properties.

The best way to avoid a level 3 bite is to calmly back away from an agitated dog and leave the area if possible. Dog bites aren’t always avoidable though, and if you do receive a bite that pierces your skin, you should seek medical attention. Even minor dog bites can cause serious complications, like infections and rabies.

What is a level 4 dog bite?

A single bite with deep wounds

Level 4 still involves a single bite, but that bite is deeper. One or more teeth puncture the skin, and at least one of those punctures is deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. Lacerations may also happen as the dog shakes its head from side-to-side.

As with level 3 bites, you should get medical care as quickly as possible after a bite that causes a deep wound. Such a bite can cause damage to the immediate area, including tendon and nerve damage. It also carries a higher risk of complications, including infections, rabies and conditions like sepsis and meningitis. Clean the wound, dress it if you can, then head to a hospital A&E or walk-in clinic.

What is a level 5 dog bite?

Multiple bites with deep wounds

A high-severity attack, the dog bites multiple times, with at least two bites causing deep wounds where teeth puncture more than half the length of the dog’s canines. There can be lacerations and serious injury caused, often due to the dog shaking its head as it holds on with its mouth.

Multiple bite attacks can be very harmful and dangerous, and can result in extensive damage and bleeding. In the event of such an attack, try to get space between you and the dog, and attempt to create some sort of barrier between you. Seek immediate medical care when you can by calling an ambulance.

What is a level 6 dog bite?

Flesh consumed and/or death

The attack is so serious that flesh is removed and consumed, and in the worst-case scenario, the person attacked dies.

Thankfully, level 6 dog bites are rare in the UK. Each year in England and Wales, there are usually between two to six fatalities caused by dog attacks. This rose to 16 in 2023, which is a considerable increase. However, this is still an extremely low number, making lethal dog attacks exceptionally rare.

How to claim compensation for a dog bite

Being bitten by a dog can be an awful experience, even if that bite is lower down on the dog bite scale. A bite can cause physical harm, but it can also leave lasting psychological damage.

If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, you may be able to claim for the compensation you deserve. It’s the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure that their pet behaves properly and doesn’t cause any harm. If a dog does bite you, the owner may be legally liable to recompense you for any injury or trauma caused.

At InjuryLawyers4U, we help hundreds of people claim compensation every day, including claims for dog bites. We’ll give you our no win, no fee promise, so there’ll be no risk for you and you won’t pay a penny until you receive your compensation. Contact us today and we’ll put you in contact with one of our experienced lawyers.

What Dog Has The Strongest Bite? The Top Canine Contenders

A dog’s jaws are one of their biggest assets. Dogs that are bred to hunt, guard or protect often have extremely strong jaws. When used correctly to do the jobs they were bred to do, they are efficient and ruthless machines. But when kept as pets and not properly trained, sometimes these dogs can be dangerous to people, including the general public. If you’re bitten by a dog – or if someone you know is – this can cause serious injury, and you may be able to make a compensation claim against the dog’s owner.

In this guide, we’re focusing on the dogs with the strongest bites. We’ll look at how bite strength is measured and which breeds have the most powerful jaws.

How is bite strength measured?

Dog bite strength is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), which indicates the pressure exerted by an animal’s jaw when it bites. An average human’s bite force is around 120-140 PSI, while the strongest dog bites measure up to around 700 PSI – which is extreme force.

Bite strength depends on a range of factors. The most significant are the size of the jawbone and the strength of the muscles. Dogs with bigger jaws and stronger muscles are likely to have stronger bites. Those with the largest heads and therefore the biggest jaws tend to be contenders when it comes to the most powerful bite force. This explains why Mastiffs are so high up on the list of dogs with the strongest bites.

Difficulties in determining the strongest bites

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about which dog has the strongest bite. Some articles online claim that some dogs have bites as high as 2,000 PSI which is totally inaccurate. There’s a lack of thorough scientific studies too, with varying methods such as bite sleeves or force transducers used to measure bite force.

The strength of a bite also varies between dogs of the same breed due variations in size within the breed, so it’s not always that easy to paint an accurate picture. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that on average certain breeds have stronger bites than others.

Which dog has the strongest bite?

Let’s take a look at the top contenders in the dog bite stakes.

Kangal

With a bite force of 743 PSI, the Kangal has the strongest bite force in the dog world. Bred in the Anatolian mountains of Turkey to protect sheep from predators, the bite force of a Kangal is their biggest asset to do their job. And it all comes down to the combination of size, strength and the shape of their head and jaw. The large, powerful jaw has well-developed muscles that allow them to exert significant force when biting.

Kangals are usually affectionate, gentle and loyal dogs to their families, however. They’re not particularly popular in the UK, although their popularity is increasing due to their good looks and reliable, kind natures.

Cane Corso

This large breed of dog originated in Italy and was bred to guard property, livestock and people. They have a bite force of around 700 PSI, which is down to their jaw strength and their size – adult males typically weigh 45-50kg. They are a relatively uncommon breed in the UK.

Tosa Inu (Japanese Tosa)

Also called the Japanese Tosa, Tosa Inu dogs have a bite force of 556 PSI. They are also one of the most dangerous and powerful dogs in the world, and are currently on the list of banned dogs in the UK.

The breed was originally bred for dog fighting in Japan and can be very dangerous to humans if not trained properly.

Dogue de Bordeaux

You might recognise this drooling giant from the 80s film Turner and Hooch. They have a bite strength of 556 PSI and are popular in the UK with around 2,350 registered in Britain.

Dogues de Bordeaux are affectionate and loyal dogs that were originally bred for pulling carts and hunting. It is one of the oldest Mastiff-type breeds. They were also used as police dogs in France in the 90s.

English Mastiff

This gentle giant is an affectionate breed and common family dog. English Mastiffs also make good guard and watch dogs. And with a bite force of 552 PSI, any unwanted intruders wouldn’t want to come across one. With this bite force they can easily crush bones.

As a breed, the dogs are strong willed, independent and need plenty of exercise. They often require a dedicated trainer who is willing to become the pack leader. They can occasionally be destructive if left to their own devices without proper training and regular exercise. English Mastiffs are particularly popular dogs in the UK.

Tibetan Mastiff

This large muscular dog was originally bred in the Himalayas and was traditionally used as a guard dog for Buddhist monks. They have thick coats to keep them warm in the mountains, as well as a protective nature. When it comes to bite strength they clock in at 550 PSI.

Tibetan Mastiffs are big dogs, with adult males weighing 41-68 kg. These calm dogs are deeply protective of their families and are increasing in popularity in the UK.

Making a legal claim for a dog bite

If you or somebody you know has been attacked by a dog, get in touch with us at InjuryLawyers4U and we’ll arrange a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. Submitting a claim can be intimidating, but we can lead you through the procedure and make sure you are aware of what is needed at each stage.

Our no win, no fee policy means there’s no risk that you will need to cover any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.

You can reach us directly on 0800 221 8888. Or, if you prefer, fill in this contact form to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.

What To Do With A Dog Bite: Treating Injuries & Preventing Infections

Although dogs might be our best friends, they can, and do, occasionally bite. And whether that bite was an over-enthusiastic nip or an act of aggression, you need to take immediate action to limit the damage done and to reduce the chance the bite becomes infected.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog or a loved one has, the first step should be to seek medical attention. But you should also know that you may be entitled to claim compensation. To help, here we explain what to do in the event of a dog bite, how to treat a dog bite, and how to make a compensation claim for a dog bite.

How to treat dog bite injuries at home?

Most single dog bites aren’t serious medical emergencies, and there’s plenty you can do to treat them at home.

Start by trying to remove any foreign objects that are in the bite wound, like dirt, hair or teeth, using running water.
Clean the skin around the bite wound with soap and warm water, or with antiseptic, but try not to get any in the wound itself.
If the wound isn’t bleeding, squeeze it carefully and gently so it bleeds a little, as this can help reduce the chance it’ll become infected. If the wound’s already bleeding, you don’t need to do this.
If the wound is bleeding, apply a dry dressing or a clean cloth firmly to the bite wound until the bleeding stops.
Once you’ve cleaned the wound, and any bleeding has stopped, carefully pat it dry and cover it with a clean, sterile dressing.
Try to keep the injured area elevated.
If there’s any pain or swelling, take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Children under 16 shouldn’t be given aspirin.

Even if you believe you’ve dealt with the bite wound effectively, it’s a sensible precaution to see a doctor at a hospital A&E department or a walk-in clinic, just to be on the safe side. Dog bites can have complications, and it’s worth having an expert take a look at the bite wound.

What are the complications of dog bites?

Even with what might appear to be a superficial wound, dog bites can cause serious complications including:

Infections

Dogs’ mouths are home to whole ecosystems of bacteria. If a dog’s teeth pierce the skin, this bacteria can get into the body, causing infections. Infections can lead to swelling, pain and oozing puss. If infections are left untreated, they can spread and lead to serious illnesses, including sepsis.

Sepsis

Sepsis is an overreaction of your immune system to an infection that prevents the body’s organs working properly. It’s a life-threatening medical emergency that needs immediate attention.

Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes – meninges – surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by a bacterial infection. Meningitis is serious and can be life-threatening.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that’s carried in the saliva of infected animals, and one that’s lethal if not treated promptly.

Even a minor dog bite can result in complications. Some people are more at risk of developing complications too. These include people with immune system disorders or otherwise weakened immune systems, those with diabetes, and anyone with peripheral arterial disease.

Go to a hospital or walk-in clinic as soon as possible in the event of any signs of infection or illness after a dog bite.

Preventing dog bites

Not all dog bites are preventable, but there is plenty you can do to try and avoid them and to get yourself out of a potentially dangerous situation.

It’s important to recognise and know that any breed of dog can bite you. Just because a dog is small or appears friendly, doesn’t mean it can’t hurt you. Especially if the dog is startled, frightened or angry.

To reduce the risk of a bite when meeting a dog, you should:

● Never try to touch a dog without asking its owner if it’s OK.

● Never run towards or away from a dog.

● Let a dog see and sniff you before trying to touch it.

● Never tease a dog by pulling its tail or ears.

● Never hit or otherwise try to hurt a dog.

● Never try and scare a dog, such as by shouting at it or backing it into a corner.

● Never bother dogs while they’re sleeping, eating or taking care of puppies.

If you’re approached by a dog you don’t know, you should:

● Stay calm and be patient. Once a dog understands you’re not a threat, it should eventually lose interest in you.

● Don’t shout.

● Don’t look the dog directly in the eyes, as this can be seen as a threat or a challenge.

● Don’t run away from the dog, as this can encourage it to chase and potentially attack you.

● Stand your ground without being threatening.

● Back up slowly and steadily if you want to get space between you.

If a dog does attack you:

● Try to put an obstacle between you and the dog, including climbing on top of something where the dog can’t reach you.

● If that isn’t possible, try to keep an object between you and the dog’s mouth, such as a bag or an umbrella.

● If you’re knocked over, roll into a ball and cover your face. Try to lie still.

How can I tell if a dog is aggressive?

If you’re not familiar with dogs, it can be difficult to tell if a noisy, barking, energetic dog is just excited or being aggressive.

You can read a dog’s body language to get a better idea of whether it’s being boisterous or posing a threat. Signs of aggression in dogs usually include:

● Stiff, straight legs and a stiff tail

● An upright stance

● Ears held up and pointing forwards

● Hackles are up

● Directly facing you and standing square

● Growling with front teeth and canines exposed

● Eyes wide open with the whites of eye showing

What can owners do?

As a responsible dog owner, there’s plenty you can do to minimise the chances of your dog biting someone, including:

● Making sure you get a breed of dog that’s suitable for your living situation.

● Finding out about the personality and temperament of any dog you’re thinking about adopting or buying, and making sure you don’t bring home a dog with a history of aggression.

● Making sure your dog has all the required immunisations.

● Having your dog spayed or neutered.

● Taking your puppy or young dog to training or obedience school to ensure they grow up well-behaved and socialised.

● Keeping your dog on a lead when walking.

● Supervising your dog when they’re interacting with people.

● Stopping people your dog doesn’t know from approaching them in a way you know they won’t like.

● Removing your dog from social situations when they become overly excited, stressed, scared or aggressive.

Compensation for dog bites

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and distress.

A dog’s owner has a legal responsibility to ensure their pet doesn’t cause injury or damage. If an owner doesn’t take the necessary precautions and their dog does cause harm, you may be able to make a claim against them for the compensation you deserve. To help with your claim make sure you:

● Take detailed notes about what happened and ideally write out a full account of the incident as soon as you can.

● Gather as much evidence as possible, including medical records and doctors’ opinions and judgements.

● Get the contact details of as many witnesses as possible, and ask them to write statements of the attack.

How can we help you?

If you – or someone you’re with – is bitten by a dog, treat the wound as quickly as possible. Seek immediate medical attention if the bite is serious. Even if it isn’t serious, it’s a good idea to see a doctor – even mild dog bites can have complications, including infections and rabies.

If you’re a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to stop your dog from biting or otherwise harming anyone. Ensure your dog is properly supervised and trained, and that you understand their behaviour and body language to determine when they’re angry, scared, or otherwise stressed. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contact us to discuss making a compensation claim. One of our experienced lawyers will talk to you about your situation. We can also offer you a free consultation to outline the legal process of pursuing a dog bite compensation claim, explaining what’s involved at each stage.

What Is The Law If A Dog Bites Someone In The UK?

Dogs are usually treasured and loving family members. However, they also have the potential to do harm. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, which aren’t to be treated lightly.

Dog bites and attacks have been on the rise in recent years and are frequently in the news. In 2022 there were 21,918 dog attacks in England and Wales, increasing from 19,623 in 2021, and up from 16,394 in 2016. Thankfully, deaths from dog attacks are low, typically between two to six a year in England and Wales. But they did rise to 16 in 2023.

The owner of a dog is legally responsible for its behaviour. It’s vital that owners understand their obligations to keep people safe around them, and that anyone who’s bitten by a dog understands their rights. If you’re bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to seek compensation from its owner.

Understanding the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Most of the legislation concerning dog bites is covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. There are two key parts of the Act:

Part 1

It’s a criminal offence for a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public place. While this is a rather vague term, it is usually interpreted as a dog causing injury to a person or other animal – such as another dog – or causing fear of an attack.

The Act suggests prison sentences if an owner, or someone caring for the dog, is found guilty of having a dog dangerously out of control in public. There is a maximum sentence of five years if someone is injured by a dog, or up to 14 years if a dog kills someone.

Part 2

The second part is breed-specific legislation (BSL) that makes it entirely unlawful to own certain breeds of dog – mostly those typically bred for dog fighting – and to restrict the ownership of other breeds. If an animal is suspected to be a banned breed, they can be taken from its owner and put down.

Amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was updated in March 2014 to also cover dogs ‘dangerously out of control’ in private spaces. Meaning a dog’s owner or handler is also responsible for their dog’s behaviour in places like private homes.

The 2014 amendment also affected the use of guard dogs. It made owners potentially liable if a guard dog harms people on the property it’s guarding, including trespassers.

With both the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the 2014 amendment, it means that dog owners – or people in charge of a dog at that time – are responsible for ensuring the dog doesn’t cause injury or death both in public and private spaces.

Seeking compensation for dog bite injuries

If you’ve been bitten or otherwise harmed by a dog, you may be able to seek legal compensation. A responsible dog owner will have pet insurance for their dog, and most pet insurance policies include provisions for legal costs and paying compensation.

Your case will likely be stronger if you were unfortunate enough to be seriously hurt or have long-term injuries. As well as if the owner or handler of the dog was negligent, such as not controlling or stopping an aggressive dog. But even if that isn’t the case and the bite was mild, you may still be able to get the compensation you deserve.

To claim for a dog bite, you can contact one of our experienced lawyers to talk to someone about your case. They can give you a free consultation to explain the legal process of pursuing a dog bite compensation claim, explaining what’s needed at each stage. Our no win, no fee policy means there’s no risk for you, and you won’t be charged any legal fees if your claim isn’t successful.

You should also:

● Take detailed notes about what happened and ideally write out a full account of the incident as soon as you can.

● Gather as much evidence as possible, including medical records and doctors’ opinions and judgements.

● Get the contact details of as many witnesses as possible and ask them to write statements of the attack.

Identifying a dangerous dog and reporting dog attacks

A dog is generally considered to be dangerous if it:

– Is judged to be out of control

– Injures someone or another animal

– Makes someone worried that it may injure them or an animal

You can report dog attacks, or dogs that you believe are dangerous or out of control, to your local council or to the police. If the attack is serious, you should call 999 right away.

Whether you contact the police or your council, you’ll be asked for as much information you can give and for your contact details. You may be asked to provide a witness statement to be used in court.

It’s important to report any incidents, even if they don’t seem very serious, as police and councils report statistics on dog attacks that are used to shape government policy. Police and councils also need to be made aware of dogs that are dangerous and owners that don’t keep proper control of them. This will help avoid future incidents that may be much more serious.

Preventing dog attacks

If your dog bites someone, or even attacks another animal, it can be a distressing, life-changing event for both you and your dog. As a dog owner, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce the chances that your dog will bite or otherwise attack someone or another animal, like:

● Making sure you get a breed of dog that’s suitable for your living situation.

● Finding out about the personality and temperament of any dog you’re thinking about adopting or buying, and making sure you don’t bring home a dog with a history of aggression.

● Making sure your dog has all the required immunisations.

● Having your dog spayed or neutered.

● Taking your puppy or young dog to training or obedience school to ensure they grow up well-behaved and socialised. Even if your dog is older, this can still be beneficial – you absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks.

● Keeping your dog on a leash when walking.

● Supervising your dog when they’re interacting with people.

● Stopping people your dog doesn’t know from approaching them in a way you know your dog won’t like.

● Removing your dog from social situations when they become overly excited, stressed, scared or aggressive.

Legal consequences for dog owners

As a dog owner, you’re legally obliged to control your dog in public and private places, including your own home. If your dog harms someone or another animal, you will be the first person held responsible – unless there are other circumstances in play, like someone deliberately attacking your dog.

If your dog attacks or bites someone or another animal – or is otherwise judged as being out of control – you could face a range of penalties, including:

● An unlimited fine

● A 6-month prison sentence for your dog being out of control

● A maximum prison sentence of up to five years if your dog injures someone

● A maximum prison sentence of up to 14 years if your dog kills someone

● Civil legal action, such as being sued for damages in the civil courts

● Being banned from owning a dog in the future

● Your dog being confiscated and put down

As well as taking the steps to prevent dog attacks we’ve included above, you should always pay attention to your dog’s behaviour and their body language, to make sure they aren’t becoming aggressive or feeling threatened or scared. Learn what to look out for and your dog’s warning signs. These usually include:

● An upright stance

● Stiff, straight legs

● A stiff tail

● Ears held up and pointing forwards

● Hackles are up (the hair along a dog’s spine)

● Directly facing you and standing square

● Growling with front teeth and canines exposed

● Eyes wide open with the whites of eye showing

If your dog is exhibiting aggressive body language, try to remove them from the area or situation as calmly but quickly as possible.

How can InjuryLawyers4U help you?

Dog bites are a serious issue, and one that seems to be becoming more prevalent. It’s important to understand the law around dog bites and attacks, both as someone who could be bitten and as a dog owner. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us to find out more and to arrange for a free consultation with one of our expert lawyers.

How long do you have to report a dog bite in the UK?

When you’ve been bitten by a dog, you have three years from the date of the incident to start legal proceedings. After this, you will be time-barred and you may not be able to claim compensation.

Courts do have the power to extend the three-year time limit, but this is only in exceptional circumstances at their discretion. To avoid missing out on a claim, it’s best to initiate proceedings before you become time-barred.

If you are claiming for a child, you have until they reach the age of 18 to make a claim while representing them as what is called a litigation friend. After this, they can then make a claim in their own name until they are 21.

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who is not mentally capable of doing so on their own, the three-year time limit on a dog bite claim does not begin until they have regained their mental capacity. If there is no chance of that person regaining this capacity, for example if they have learning difficulties, then there is no time limit for someone else to claim on their behalf.

If the owner of the dog who bites you is uninsured, you can make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). However, there is a two-year time limit on this type of claim.

Whatever the circumstances, it’s a good idea to begin legal proceedings for a dog bite claim as promptly as you can. Not only will this help you avoid becoming time-barred, but it could also help you to recover in a psychological sense, as well as a physical sense depending on the severity of the bite.
To start your claim today, simply call us on 0800 221 8888, or fill out our contact form instead.

Tips for Staying Safe Abroad

Most vacations are incident free and holiday makers return home with nothing more concerning than a little sunburn and those extra pounds they lost in preparation for their trip.

However, sometimes unfortunate incidences can occur abroad. So here is a list of safety precautions you can take to minimise your risk and increase your chances of returning home happy and healthy.

Take Out Travel Insurance and Keep Copies of Documents

Although it can seem like an extra holiday expense, if you become ill or suffer a personal injury overseas, travel insurance becomes worth its weight in gold. According to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, an air ambulance from the east coast of the United States to Britain would set you back £35-45000.00.

Many people believe they are completely covered for medical mishaps in Europe if they have an EHIC card; however, this simply covers basic medical costs and only in state hospitals. It is worth having the added protection of travel insurance in case an unforeseen, major emergency befalls you.

Make sure you have copies of your passport, insurance and other important documents. Keep one copy with a trusted person at home and one copy in the safe of your hotel.

Research Your Destination

Take some time to discover a little about the country you will be visiting. Is there a history of civil unrest? Recently popular destinations such as Egypt, Thailand, Turkey, Greece and Ukraine (the ninth most popular tourist destination in Europe in 2012) have been affected by protests turning violent. In most cases holiday resorts are not affected, but if you are planning to visit the sights in major metropolitan areas, check with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to see if there are any government warnings applicable to your destination.

If you are unlucky enough to find yourself caught up in a protest or riot, move to the edge of the crowd and from there walk away from the gathering. DO NOT take any photographs or start filming. Protesters do not want to be identified and may take serious measures to remove your camera or phone from you. If you are in your hotel, remain inside, lock the doors, close the curtains and stay away from the windows.

Take Precautions When Buying Food and Drinking Water

Traveller’s tummy, Delhi belly, bacterial gastroenteritis, whatever name you give it, nothing will ruin your holiday faster than a bout of food poisoning. Depending on its severity the experience can range from having to spend a few miserable days cloistered in your hotel room, to requiring medical treatment at the local hospital.

Food poisoning is caused by contaminated food and water. The standards of food health and safety can vary greatly from country to country, but here are a few pointers that may help you avoid the misery of contracting food poisoning abroad:

• Check to see if the tap water in the country you are visiting is safe to drink. If it is considered unsafe, drink bottled or sterilised water and avoid ice.
• Do not consume food from street vendors.
• Research eating establishments on the internet or in travel guides and only eat in places which have been recommended.
• Eat your food piping hot.
• Avoid seafood, salads and dairy products in countries where cases of food poisoning are common.

Watch How Much You Drink and ALWAYS Keep A Close Eye on Your Glass

Holidays are meant to be a time when you can let your hair down and many people throw caution to the wind when they are on an adventure abroad. However, when you are intoxicated your judgement becomes clouded and you are far more likely to become a victim of a robbery or an assault. It is also worth noting that most travel insurance companies will not provide cover for any incidences which result from a person being intoxicated.

By keeping these few tips in mind you can relax and make the most of your holiday, with the knowledge that you have taken the necessary precautions to protect you and your family. Enjoy planning your summer break.

You could be entitled to make a personal injury claim – for more information on making a poisoning claim, more detailed information can be found here. To speak to someone now about your claim, call us in complete confidence on 0845 345 4444, or fill in this contact form and we’ll get straight back to you.

Rearward Facing Car Seats – Time for a Re-Think?

In 2009 the British Medical Journal published an article on the significant safety benefits of keeping children in rearward-facing seating when travelling in a motor vehicle. Now, five years after this paper was released, how accessible is information regarding the benefits of keeping your child rearward-facing for as long as possible? Has the United Kingdom changed its official guidelines regarding rearward-facing car seats? And finally, are they readily available in high street stores or do parents still have to import them from abroad?

The key points from the 2009 article are as follows:

• Many babies are switched from a rearward-facing car seat to a forward facing seat at nine kilograms (eight months of age for a boy on the 50th centile for weight)
• Excessive stretching or even severing of the spinal cord can result if a child is involved in a head-on crash while in a forward facing car seat
• Rearward-facing seats are safer than forward facing seats for children under four years old
• Parents and guardians should be advised to keep young children in rearward-facing seats for as long as possible

The above points are taken from the original article which you can view here in full.

What happens in a motor vehicle accident when a young child is facing forward in their car seat?

In a young child, the head constitutes 25% of their body weight. Their bones are still developing so they are soft and consist mainly of cartilage. This allows them to tumble down stairs or fall off playground equipment and, apart from a few tears, often emerge relatively unscathed.

However, in a high-impact, frontal motor vehicle collision, this works against them in a terrible way. The weight of the head, when it is flung forward, can stretch the neck to the point where the spine snaps, causing internal decapitation. Due a child’s ribcage being soft, the internal organs are not protected against the tremendous force being pushed onto them by their car seat harness and the damage caused can be fatal.

Parent’s access to information

The internet can provide a wealth of information regarding the safety benefits of rearward-facing car seats for children up to four years of age. However:

• Many parents are not in a financial position to pay for an internet connection
• Some families do not speak English as their first language and are therefore limited to the amount of information they can access from British websites
• Lack of education and understanding can limit an individual’s ability to research and understand the information that may be available

Unfortunately, lack of accurate, easily obtainable information is one of the key reasons why even well-educated parents are unaware of the importance of keeping their child rearward-facing as long as possible.

Has the United Kingdom changed its official guidelines?

Some countries, including the United States and New Zealand, have changed their regulations and official guidelines to recommend children remain rearward-facing up until two years of age. Sweden’s official recommendations state that parents keep children rearward-facing until they are 4 years old (contrary to popular belief, this is not enshrined in law).

At present in the United Kingdom babies over nine kilograms (around eight to nine months old) can be forward-facing. However, new European Union regulations which were ratified by the UK in July 2013, known as the i-Size Regulations (or UN R129), state that children should remain rearward-facing until they are at least 15 months old. i-Size also requires that an ISOFIX click-and-go system is used to fit the car seat rather than the car’s own seatbelts. This reduces the chance of the car seat being fitted incorrectly. However, these new regulations will run alongside the existing regulations for the next few years.

Therefore, you can still buy and safely use car seats which comply with the current ECE R44/04. This is causing confusion among parents as they are no longer sure which regulations to follow. Again, uncertainty often arises due to lack of readily accessible information.

Have rearward-facing car seats become more available?

As recently as 2011 it was extremely difficult to purchase a rearward-facing car seat, suitable for a child up to four years of age in the United Kingdom. Caroline Green, mother of a three year old daughter says “The only reason I knew about the benefits of rearward-facing car seats was because my brother worked for Volvo and was involved in some of their safety testing”. She goes on to say; “It really frustrated me that I could not walk into a high street shop and purchase a rearward-facing car seat, I had to do a lot of research to find a stockist”.

Some high street retailers are now stocking rearward-facing car seat brands such as Maxi-cosi and Britax, however, the number is still fairly limited and the price is prohibitive to many individuals.

Sadly, at this point in time, many parents, especially those belonging to socio-economically deprived groups, are unable to give their child what could a be life-saving advantage in a motor vehicle accident. This is due to lack of knowledge, advice, and the current difficulty and expense of obtaining a rearward-facing car seat for children up to four years of age.

UK’s most dangerous sporting activities

Brits are a nation of sports lovers. Whether it is watching a game of football on the TV or participating in one of the hundreds of different games played across the nation every Saturday and Sunday, we are addicted to the excitement of a great match.

Although most games are incident free, personal injuries can occur and sometimes these can be serious. So which sports are the most likely to cause trauma? Here is a list of the top five sporting activities most likely to see you visiting the Accident and Emergency department of your local hospital.

Cheerleading

Figures released by the Department of Education in 2010 showed that 37% of British schools now offer Cheerleading as part of their physical education curriculum. Although some may perceive this sport as fluffy, competitive cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

It is also highly skilled and very dangerous. According to research from the United States, 66% of catastrophic sporting injuries (meaning injuries resulting in permanent disabilities or medical issues) amongst females are caused by cheerleading, making it by far the most dangerous sport for women.

Rugby

In 2010 the Edinburgh University’s Centre for International Public Health Policy, released findings of a study concerning 193 rugby matches at five schools between January and April 2009. The matches resulted in 37 injuries, of which 20 were seen at A&E and one resulted in an overnight stay in hospital for a spinal injury. One of the study’s authors, Professor Allyson Pollock, called for the banning of high tackles and scrums in rugby played at junior level because of the high risk of injury.

At premiership level, in the 2008/09 season, 769 match injuries were reported, which is an average of two injuries per club per match.

The most common type of injury sustained in rugby is concussion. In 2012, research from the United States found that former National Football League (NFL) players had higher incidences of early onset dementia. The link between later cognitive problems and multiple-concussions was inconclusive. However, genetics and sub-concussive injuries may play a part in the onset of cerebral problems. In November 2013 the British Rugby Football Union set up a working group to examine the link between multiple concussions and dementia to further investigate the issue.

Motorbike Racing

The Isle of Man TT race has claimed 240 lives in its 106 history. It is without a doubt the most dangerous race on the planet.

Motorbike racing is a very injury prone sport, because let’s face it, if you hit the ground at 200mph the chances of you receiving a serious injury is high and there is very little you can do to prevent it. However, many participants say the extreme danger is just part of the thrill.

Cycling

This may surprise you but cycling is one the most dangerous sports you can participate in. Each year thousands of cyclists are injured on British roads and in 2012 over one hundred cyclists lost their lives. You can read about how cyclists can stay safe on the road here.

Cave Diving

Officially the most dangerous sport in the world cave diving is considered so risky that many articles have been written examining the psychological effects of this incredibly dangerous activity.

One of the reasons this sport is so perilous is that even years of experience can count for nothing if you find yourself in difficulties. In dark, enclosed spaces a person’s vulnerability to panic, anxiety and disorientation is amplified to an extreme degree and it becomes very easy to make disastrous mistakes. There is no light, limited oxygen and your exit route can be cut off in an instant. This is not a sport for the faint of heart.

If you have been involved in a sporting injury, you may be able to make a claim. To take the first step, call Injury Lawyers 4U on 0333 400 4445 today, or fill in this form to arrange a call-back.

Protecting Your Child from Defective Products

One aspect of impending parenthood people look forward to the most is shopping for nursery furniture, buggies and baby clothes. With so many wonderful products and gorgeous attire available, it is easy get carried away with the aesthetics and forget to pay attention to the safety elements of the products you are purchasing. Babies and young children are extremely vulnerable to defective products, and unfortunately, there have been numerous incidents of serious injury and even death due to faulty merchandise.

So how can a new parent ensure the products they purchase for their precious child are safe? Are there certain things you should look out for when deciding what type of product to purchase?

This article will focus on four products; cots, changing tables, high chairs and pushchairs, examining how parents and caregivers can best ensure the safety of what they buy.

Cots

When it comes to where you place your baby to sleep, product safety is of paramount importance and the standards should not be compromised. In the United Kingdom, the cot you purchase should meet British Safety Standard BSEN716.

In the United States more children die every year in accidents involving cots than any other nursery product. In July 2009, a six month old baby boy in Fife, Scotland died when he became trapped between the mattress and the side of his cot. The inquiry into his death found the cot he was sleeping in “had a defect which rendered it unsafe” (as stated in the report). The manufacturer subsequently issued a safety device for the cot.

According to the European Child Safety Alliance: Child Product Safety Guide, when purchasing a cot you should ensure that:

• The spacing of the slats is no more than 6cm in width so a baby’s head cannot become trapped between the bars.
• The cot is less than ten years old, and is not broken or modified in any way.
• The gap between the edge of the mattress and cot bars is no more than two fingers’ width wide.
• If the cot is second-hand, it should not have a ‘drop-down’ type mechanism as these have been found to be unsafe.

Changing Tables

A moment’s inattention can result in a baby falling off a changing table. If you decide to purchase a changing table make sure it has a wide surface to lay your baby on when changing them, and a safety strap to secure your infant and prevent him or her from rolling off the table.

High Chairs

Study findings released in December 2013 showed that in the United States there had been a 22% increase in the number of injuries involving children under three years and high chairs between 2003 through to 2010. Each year, 9,400 American children are injured from falling out of a high chair, with head trauma being the most common type of injury sustained.

Most injuries from high chairs are caused by falls; therefore, it is important to pay attention to the safety strap that secures your child in the seat when purchasing the product. Ensure that:

• The waist belt has a buckle that cannot be fastened unless the crotch strap is in place.
• The base of the high chair is wide and heavy for stability. You want to ensure that your baby or toddler cannot tip the high chair over if they start to rock backwards and forwards.
• There is a post in between the child’s legs which will prevent them slipping out through the bottom of the high chair.

The high chair you purchase should conform to British Safety Standard BS EN 14988.

Pushchairs

In 2009 Maclaren recalled a million pushchairs in the United States after reports that children had their fingers amputated by the pushchair folding mechanism. The company did not recall any pushchairs in the United Kingdom; however, they did make hinge covers available on request.

When purchasing a pushchair for your child, ensure that:

• It has a five-point harness. You may need to purchase this separately if buying a second-hand, older pushchair.
• The harness fits your infant or child snugly, and is made of good quality, strong material.
• The brake is effective and locks the wheels.

The British safety standard you are looking for when purchasing a pushchair is BS EN 1888.

In summary, checking products for possible defects, ensuring they meet British Safety Standards, and following the manufacturer’s instructions when assembling furniture can protect your child from receiving injuries from merchandise.

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