With the ever growing involvement of dogs in our everyday lives, dog attacks are not uncommon. Sadly, dogs attack approximately 200,000 people in the UK every year. Dog bite injuries range from very minor to significant, and severe to fatal.  

Am I able to claim compensation?

If you have been the unfortunate victim of a dog attack then you could make a claim for compensation.  A dog bite claim can be easy to prove if the dog is already known to be dangerous and that the owners have not taken suitable precautions such as ensuring the dog is muzzled or on a lead.

Dangerous dogs

Breeds covered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 are:-

• The Pit Bull Terrier 

• The Japanese Tosa

• The Dogo Argentino (Argentinean Bullmastiff)

• The Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Bullmastiff)

There are strict requirements where a person owns one of these dogs.  They must be on a lead and muzzled when in a public place.  They must be chipped and insured and registered. If the above dogs cause injury, compensation will be automatic even if there is no history or previous signs of aggression by the dog.  

Even if the dog is not a Dangerous Dog you can still claim. If there is a history of aggressive behaviour or the animal is dangerous then the owner is often liable for failing to safeguard members of the public and failing to control the animal.  Most sensible dog owners will either have pet insurance or home insurance to pay any compensation.

What you need to do if you have been attacked

• Report the incident to the Police, keep the crime/accident reference number

•  Identify the dogs owner and provide the address if possible

•  Obtain any contact details of any witnesses to the attack
  

•  Take 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

What can I claim for?

You can claim compensation for the pain and suffering caused by your bite injuries and the effect on those injuries on your day to day life.

You can also claim for any out of pocket expenses that you have incurred, such as lost income, damage to any property, prescription charges and for any care that someone else has provided to you such as a friend or family member. 

What should I do now ?

Contact our team who have a proven track record of successful dog bite claims. We can then give you free advice about what to do next.  The sooner you contact us the better, as there are time limits as to when a claim has to be made and investigation a claim is easier when the process is started quickly.  

Our expert dog bite team will then:-

• Contact the dogs owner and their insurers

• Contact the Police for the Police Report

• Establish if the owner of the dog is being prosecuted

• Contact any witnesses to the attack and make investigations with regard to your claim

• Form a view as to your claim and contact your employers if appropriate to obtain details of any loss of earnings

• Arrange a medical examination to support your injuries