Being bitten by a dog is a harrowing experience that can cause significant injuries, medical expenses and emotional trauma. Our specialist team is here to help you get the support and compensation you need to recover physically and psychologically.
Every dog owner has a legal responsibility to prevent their pet from harming another person or causing a serious accident, whether at home or in public. Dog bites usually occur when the animal is not being controlled by the owner, or when the proper precautions haven’t been taken to protect other people or animals.
Since the pandemic, there has been a considerable rise in dog attacks, a result partly due to a soaring increase in pet ownership. In 2023, a BBC Freedom of Information request to all local police forces in England and Wales uncovered over 30,500 offences of out-of-control dogs causing injuries to people or guide dogs that year. That represents a staggering rise of around 21% from the previous year.
It’s a particular concern for delivery drivers and postal workers – whose livelihood can be put at risk by property owners failing to control their dogs.
If you, a family member or loved one has been the victim of an attack, it’s crucial that you seek the advice of a dog bite claim specialist as soon as possible to establish your best course of action and avoid paying unnecessary fees during the recovery process.
Types of injuries from dog bites
Injuries from dog bites vary widely, from minor cuts to serious, life-altering injuries. Regardless of the severity, Injury Lawyers 4U can help you pursue a claim against the dog’s owner. Typical injuries from dog bites include:
- Injuries to the head, neck, or eyes
- Bone fractures
- Puncture wounds and scars
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Emotional distress, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life. However, we are ready to support you in any dog bite injury claim you make, regardless of how severe your injuries are.
What is The Animals Act 1971?
The Animals Act 1971 is a piece of legislation that was introduced to protect people from injuries caused by animals. This law, which includes animals like dogs and livestock, makes owners legally responsible for any harm their animals cause.
What is The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991?
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was introduced to prevent dog attacks by ordering that owners prevent their dogs from attacking others or behaving uncontrollably. The act specifically bans the sale, breeding, or exchange of certain breeds known for their potential danger, including:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Fila Brasileiro
- Dogo Argentino
- American Bully XL
The act also imposes a ban on cross-breeds of any of these types of dog. Under this law, owners of these breeds are required to ensure their dogs are insured, neutered, and microchipped.
When can you claim dog bite compensation?
You’re eligible to seek compensation for a dog bite injury if you were harmed by someone else’s dog. Whether you are claiming against an individual or organisation, there are a number of common scenarios in which people often receive compensation following a dog bite, including:
- Attacks on private property or public space
- Attacks on commercial property involving workers or tradespeople
- Attacks involving children
- Attacks involving a dog that has escaped from its owner
- Accidents caused by livestock or other animals provoked by a dog
- Attacks on delivery drivers and postal workers
Dog owners are legally required to control their pets and ensure they do not pose a danger to others, regardless of the setting. You can typically pursue a claim if:
- The incident occurred within the last three years.
- You sustained injuries from the bite.
- You can demonstrate that your injuries were directly caused by another person’s dog.
At Injury Lawyers 4U, our expert legal team can help you gather the necessary evidence for your dog bite claim. Even if the dog’s owner is unidentified or uninsured, we can guide you through the process of making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Get in touch today.
Can you make a dog bite claim on behalf of a child?
Yes, you can file a dog bite claim for your child. As a ‘litigation friend’, you have until your child’s 18th birthday to act on their behalf. However, as with all personal injury claims, the best course of action is to start the process as soon as possible while it’s easier to gather evidence and contact details of witnesses.
What should you do after you’ve been bitten by a dog?
If you’ve been bitten by an aggressive dog, the first priority should always be your own health and safety. Remove yourself from the danger, and try to find the dog’s owner to inquire about their insurance coverage once you’re safe.
If there were any witnesses that saw what happened, their accounts could support your claim later on, so be sure to ask for their contact information. Tell the police what has happened, and document everything about the incident in writing.
If the injury or injuries you sustain require medical treatment, make sure you visit your GP or nearest hospital to have your wounds treated. Take photographs of the injuries, as these, along with your medical records, will help in building your case.
How much compensation will you receive following a dog bite?
he amount of compensation following a dog bite will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the injury and the exact circumstances of the attack. Your solicitor will also take into account the costs of any medical care and expenses, and whether or not your work and home life have been negatively affected as a result.
Please note that in most cases, you must submit a dog bite claim within three years of the incident in order to stand the best chance of a successful outcome. At Injury Lawyers 4U, our legal experts are committed to securing the maximum possible settlement for your case. You can also use our compensation calculator to estimate the potential amount you might receive.
Frequently asked questions about dog bite personal injury claims
Who pays the compensation for a dog bite?
When you make a successful personal injury claim for a dog bite, the compensation is usually covered by the owner’s pet insurance policy. In situations where the victim is bitten in a public place and the dog belongs to a company, such as a security firm, the compensation will likely be covered by the company’s public liability insurance. If you suffer an injury from a dog bite at work, the compensation would be covered by employer’s liability insurance.
What if the dog’s owner doesn’t have insurance?
If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance or if it’s unclear who the dog belongs to, you can still file a claim. In cases like this, you can make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. At Injury Lawyers 4U, our experienced team can guide you through this process to make a successful claim.
Is it possible for dog owners to face legal consequences if their dog bites someone?
Yes. According to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, if a dog owner intentionally lets their dog harm someone, they can be held legally accountable. This could result in severe consequences including an unlimited fine or even a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Will a dog be put down if it bites someone?
It’s not automatic that a dog will be euthanized for biting – it often depends on the specific situation. Typically, a dog might be considered for euthanasia if it has a history of aggressive behaviour or multiple biting incidents. However, this should not deter you from making a personal injury claim if you are bitten.
Should you pursue legal action for a dog bite injury?
Regardless how severe your injury is, suing because of a dog bite can be beneficial to your recovery. The compensation you could receive from such a claim can help cover medical expenses, lost wages if you’ve had to take time off of work to recover, along with any psychological distress the incident has caused.
We’re ready to help
If you or somebody you know has been attacked by a dog, get in touch – we’ll arrange a free consultation with a lawyer experienced in such cases. 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 in the event that your claim is unsuccessful. You can reach us directly on 0333 400 4445. Or, if you prefer, fill in this contact form to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.
