Dog Bite Compensation Claims

Unfortunately, dogs bite and attack approximately 200,000 people in the UK every year, ranging from minor to fatal injuries.

If have you been bitten or attacked by a dog, you could be entitled to make a No Win No Fee Compensation Claim.

The Animals Act 1971 is the law that governs this area.

The attack may have happened:

• At work
• Whilst delivering something to a private property
• At a playground or park
• On the street or another public place
• At someone’s home

A compensation claim for a dog bite or attack by a dog can be easy to prove if the dog is known to be dangerous if the owners have not taken suitable precautions to safeguard others or failed to control the animal – such as by ensuring that it is on a lead, or is muzzled.

What can you claim compensation for?

Compensation can be claimed for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries and the effect of those injuries on your day to day life.

It’s possible to also claim compensation for financial losses suffered as a result of your injuries, such as loss of earnings, property damage, medical, travel expenses and potentially any care provided by family members or friends. Where it is appropriate we can also arrange private medical treatment, to speed up your recovery.

What should you do now?

If you have been bitten by a dog, here’s what you need to do:

• Report the incident to the Police, keep the crime/accident reference number
• Identify the owner of the dog and their address if possible
• Obtain any contact details of any witnesses to the attack
• Take clear photographs of the dog bite injuries as soon as possible
• If the accident occurred whilst in the course of your employment make sure you report the accident to your manager and complete an accident report form
• Visit your doctor to discuss any necessary medical treatment, e.g. a Tetanus injection
• Contact us today to get expert advice and start your No Win No Fee Compensation Claim.

Why choose Actons Injury Solicitors?

Our specialist dog bite lawyers are experienced in pursuing successful dog bite claims and will help you to get the maximum amount of compensation.

We will take the stress out of your claim by liaising with all the parties involved, such as the dog’s owner (and their insurers), the Police, any witnesses and your employers (if required). Where appropriate, we can even make sure you receive the appropriate medical treatment to aid your recovery.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the law surrounding dog bites?
• A: In the UK, the Animals Act 1971 is the law that governs this area. Under this legislation, owners have a legal responsibility to keep their dogs under control. A dog is considered to be out of control if it has injured someone or made someone worry about becoming injured. This applies whether the dog is in a public or private place – including the owner’s home.

 

• Q: I’ve been bitten by a dog, what should I do?
• A: Any physical injuries should be given medical attention as soon as possible. Receiving the right treatment can have a significantly positive impact on your recovery. A dog bite incident should also be reported to the local Police and dog warden. By doing this, you can reduce the danger of anyone else being injured by the same dog – particularly if there have been similar incidents in the past.

 

• Q: Will I be able to claim compensation for my dog bite injuries?
• A: If you’ve been attacked by a dog and sustained injuries, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. To speak to one of our friendly, expert solicitors call us now on 0800 169 2448 or send us a message. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to help you claim on a No Win No Fee basis.

 

• Q: If I can claim compensation, what are the next steps in the process?
• A: If the owner of the dog has either pet or household insurance, you’ll be looking to claim compensation from these companies.
  If they aren’t insured, we must then carefully consider their assets and decide whether they can pay for the compensation themselves.
  It’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible. Following medical attention, you should:
  • Obtain contact details of the owner
  • Find out the breed of the dog
  • Obtain contact details of any witnesses
  • Take photographs of the injuries you sustained
  • If it’s discovered that the dog’s breed is banned or known to be dangerous, your chances of securing compensation are much higher.

 

• Q: My neighbour’s dog attacked me in their garden – can I claim compensation?
• A: If your neighbour knew that you were visiting, they should have ensured that their dog was kept under control to comply with The Animals Act 1971. This is a legal responsibility for any owner, whether in a public or private place. If your neighbour was unaware that you were visiting, appropriate warning signs should have been displayed to make you aware of the loose dog. Any entrances or gates should also have been locked. If you were bitten in an incident that should have been prevented by the owner, you may be able to claim compensation. To speak to one of our friendly, expert solicitors call us now on 0800 169 2448 or send us a message.

 

• Q: I was stroking a dog and it attacked me – can I claim compensation?
• A: This depends on whether the owner was aware that their dog may act aggressively towards you and also whether you had asked to pet their dog.
  If the owner said yes, knowing that their dog may bite, you may be able to claim compensation. To speak to one of our friendly, expert solicitors call us now on 0800 169 2448 or send us a message.

 

• Q: I was bitten by a dog when delivering a parcel – can I claim compensation?
• A: If the owner failed to control their dog, knowing that it may act aggressively to someone making deliveries, you may be able to claim compensation. The same also applies if they were aware of this possibility but hadn’t put up any signs to bring your attention to the danger. To find out whether you can claim compensation, speak to one of our expert solicitors on 0800 169 2448 or send us a message.