Dog Bite Claims: Can I Claim Compensation For A Dog Bite Injury?

Owning a dog is a popular choice. However, unfortunately, it is without a doubt that there has been an upsurge in dog bite incidents.

Dog owners have a responsibility to prevent their dogs from causing harm to others. Such incidents can happen anytime, anywhere, including in local parks. Alternatively, you may be a postman and might suffer a dog bite injury whilst at work.

Dog bite injuries can often lead to serious consequences and can cause significant injuries, including psychological and emotional trauma. As such, if you have experienced a dog bite injury, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Therefore, if you, or someone you know has been a victim of a dog bite incident, you should seek the correct advice immediately to establish the best course of action. It is also worth noting that your claim is more likely to be successful if the offending dog is a dangerous dog.

How do I bring a successful dog bite compensation claim?

Following a dog bite incident, you should get in touch with us as soon as possible. We will then obtain all the information necessary to initiate your claim and advise you on what will happen next.

To maximise your chances of bringing a successful personal injury claim, it is advised that you do the following:

• It is helpful for you to inform the dog owner that you have been injured, and at the same time exchange contact details with them
• You should seek medical attention for your injuries
• Obtain details of any witnesses to your incident
• Take photographs of any injuries suffered as a result of the dog bite incident

We also advise that you contact the police and report your incident. The police might be able to help with locating the dog owner and provide information on whether the offending dog has previously been involved in any similar incidents.

How vital is insurance in such dog bite claims?

Many dog owners will have pet insurance, or home insurance policy to cover the claim. However, please be advised that the chances of recovering any compensation for a dog bite injury are quite narrow where there is no insurance in place.

What can I claim for following a dog bite incident?

Just like most personal injury claims, you can claim for the injuries sustained including, but not limited to:

• Pain and suffering
• Psychological impact caused by the incident
• Soft tissue injury, or bruises
• Scarring

In addition to the above injuries, compensation for any financial losses and expenses may also be covered in your claim, including:

• Loss of earnings following time of work
• Travel costs
• Prescription charges / over the counter medicine

The amount of compensation you receive is dependent on a case-to-case basis and will vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries. Other things to consider are any long-term effects, including whether your work or personal life has been adversely affected as a result of the dog bite attack.

Bringing a dog bite compensation claim can be overwhelming. If you are thinking about bringing a claim for a dog bite injury, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced Personal Injury Team who will be happy to discuss your claim and swiftly lead you through the process. Our no win no fee arrangements will ensure that you will have nothing to lose financially in the event that your claim is unsuccessful.

This blog has been written by Gurina Kaur, Legal Assistant in our Personal Injury Team.