If you’ve been bitten by a dog belonging to someone else, you may be able to claim against them for dog bite compensation. Being attacked by a dog can be very distressing, and this can be a complex area of the law. However, we look to make it as clear, simple and stress-free for you as we can.
Our specialist team provides expert legal advice in different languages to clients who have been involved in unenviable personal injury scenarios, including dog attack injuries. When looking for dog bite solicitors, you should know we operate on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning that you won’t pay any fees for our legal services unless your dog bite claim is successful.
In what circumstances can I claim for a dog bite injury?
Thanks to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, there is now a greater degree of protection if you are attacked by a dog because its owner fails to keep it under control. The act banned the ownership and breeding of a small number of dangerous breeds and placed a duty on all dog owners to keep their dogs under control at all times.
While it should encourage four-legged owners to behave responsibly, dog attacks still happen. And they occur in a number of situations, such as:
- In a public place, especially when the dog is running freely without a lead
- At your own property if the dog has escaped or been left out of control
- When you legitimately visit the owner’s premises (for example, to knock on their door or make a delivery)
- When working as a vet, dog groomer or walker
If the dog was not kept on a lead, it is significantly harder for the owner to claim that they had control of it. If the dog has a record of previous aggression, the law now obliges owners to take further steps, such as using a muzzle or attending dog training classes.
If none of these steps are taken and you’ve happened to experience a dog attack injury, it improves your chance of making a successful dog attack claim.
What should I do if a dog attacks me?
Being attacked by a dog can be frightening, which makes it very hard to think practically in the heat of the moment. However, the more of the following you can do, the easier it is to manage a dog bite compensation claim against the dog’s owner:
- Obtain the name and contact details of the dog’s owner, as well as any eyewitnesses
- Take photos of the dog and its owner if you can do so without confrontation
- Report the incident to the police as soon as possible
- Take photos of your dog bite injuries immediately and as they progress
- Keep hold of any clothes or personal property damaged in the attack
- Make notes of the date, time, place and circumstances
- Seek medical advice, which may include a tetanus jab
- Keep receipts for any medical treatment
Even if you don’t have any of the above as evidence, it is still worth talking to a solicitor to see if you have a valid case and a chance of a successful dog bite claim.
Who pays out on compensation for dog attack injuries?
Dog attack claims can run to thousands of pounds. However, nowadays, pet insurance is affordable and commonplace for pet owners. Although most of them take out cover to protect themselves against large, unexpected vet bills for their pet, there is also usually an element of liability insurance on their policy, which covers their liability if their dog should bite someone.
If they don’t have this cover under a pet insurance policy, they may still have public liability insurance under their home insurance policy, which will often cover them should their dog attack someone.
Should you be attacked by a stray dog, you may be able to claim for criminal injuries or against the local council or the organisation responsible for the area in which you were attacked.
What sort of injuries can I claim for after a dog attack?
The tariff takes into account the severity of the injury as well as how visible any marks and scars are in the long term. The most common types of injury are:
- Cuts, bruises and scratches
- Infections as a result of the bites and scratches
- Permanent scarring and visible marks on the skin
- Psychological symptoms such as anxiety and fear of dogs
There is no definite list of harms that should or shouldn’t be compensated; the critical aspect is that a dog attack injury is experienced due to someone else’s negligence.
How much compensation for dog bite injury might I receive?
The amount of compensation for a dog bite very much depends on your specific circumstances. That’s why we recommend that you get in touch with us promptly so that we can discuss the details of your accident with you.
You may be able to claim for the following if they are a direct result of your dog attack injuries:
- Compensation for distress and upheaval
- Loss of earnings and financial losses incurred
- Medical costs, prescription fees, counselling, care and rehabilitation costs
- Damage to your property
- Travel expenses incurred
Every harm experienced from the incident should have proof, making it crucial to collect evidence such as damaged belongings, dog bite injuries, or dog attack injury-related travel expenses. Proper documentation ensures the strength of your case and increases the likelihood of success in No Win No Fee dog bite claims.
About the average payout for a dog bite in the UK
The average payout varies widely depending on the severity and impact of the injury, as well as in other personal injury cases. For instance, minor dog bite injuries, such as small cuts and bruises, might result in compensation ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. More severe cases, including significant scarring, infections, or psychological trauma, can lead to payouts of tens of thousands of pounds. Not to mention serious injury claims where the consequences of injuries change lives.
Once again, each case is unique and must be assessed individually. Yet the final compensation reflects the specific circumstances and extent of harm experienced.
Do I have a valid claim for dog bite compensation?
If you can answer yes to all three of the following questions, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your circumstances further:
- Was the incident within the last three years?
- Was someone else to blame for the incident?
- Were you injured as a result of the incident?
Answering ‘yes’ to all three doesn’t mean a successful dog bite compensation claim is certain. However, these questions are key to the claims process. Answering yes to all three does indicate that you have a greater chance of being entitled to a claim. Getting prompt specialist legal advice could be beneficial.
Because of the three-year time limit, it’s important that you contact us promptly so that we can start the process for you.
Why choose Litkraft Solicitors for No Win No Fee dog bite claims?
The Litkraft Solicitors team is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert legal support to personal injury victims. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers has a proven track record in handling No Win No Fee dog bite claims, offering peace of mind with lower financial risk. With the No Win No Fee option, you would only pay for our solicitors’ services in a successful case scenario.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact a dog attack injury can have and are committed to guiding you through every step of the dog claim process.
How do I begin a compensation claim for a dog attack injury?
Call us on 0208 1111 911 or contact us through the website, and we’ll discuss your circumstances with you. The first call typically takes about 15 minutes, and during that time, we can usually determine whether or not it’s realistic to pursue a dog attack claim for compensation. Also, explain key steps of how to claim dog bite compensation and how we can help.
FAQ
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You can claim for various types of injuries resulting from a dog attack, including cuts, bruises, scratches, and infections caused by bites and scratches. There’s no definite list of injuries that can or cannot be compensated.
Additionally, you can seek compensation for more severe injuries such as permanent scarring, nerve damage, and psychological trauma, including anxiety and fear of dogs.
Each dog attack injury and other damages resulting from it must be documented. There must be proof that harm resulted from the dog attack, which happened because someone failed to keep their dog under control.
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Yes, you can make a claim on behalf of your child if a dog has injured them. As a parent or legal guardian, you have the right to pursue compensation for your child’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of the injury.
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Yes, you can claim for an attack on private property, provided you have permission to be on the property and the injury resulted from negligence. The owner of the dog or property may be held liable for the injuries sustained. It is essential to gather evidence, such as photographs and witness statements, to support such dog attack claims.
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In the UK, victims typically have three years from the date of the attack to file dog bite injury claims. However, it’s wise to report the incident as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is fresh and readily available. Prompt reporting also helps build a stronger case and facilitates a smoother claims process.
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If a valid case is successful, the timeline for receiving a payout can vary depending on its complexity. While some straightforward cases may be resolved within a few months, a more complicated dog bite lawsuit involving severe injuries or disputes may take longer, potentially over a year.
While victims can file dog bite injury claims without a lawyer, if there’s more severe harm or a complex case of a dog bite, a law firm can significantly help make the process less stressful, smoother and, thus, likely quicker.
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