Dog attack claims
Dog bite claims and claims involving dogs are the most common claims involving animals in England and Wales.
Attacks involving dogs can be terrifying, traumatic as well as very painful and the injuries can be physical as well as psychological and if you have been attacked by a dog then it is paramount you seek urgent medical treatment.
If you have been attacked by a dog then you are entitled to compensation for the injury and losses suffered as a result.
We would advise you to keep a log of what happened, where the incident took place, details of witnesses and take photographs of the injury.
We also advise you to keep a diary of the injury to help your case and if possible ascertain the dog owner’s name and address and also details of witnesses.
WHO SHALL I REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO?
It is paramount an attack by a dog is reported to the Police immediately or as soon as practicable and a police log / reference is obtained. By reporting the incident to the Police, the Police will investigate the matter and you can also find out if the same dog has attacked anyone else in the past.
If there is a Police report and the owner of the dog is identified then we can apply to the police for the report on your behalf, which will help your case.
You should also report the incident to the local authority who may investigate and possibly take steps for future prevention.
HOW LONG HAVE I GOT TO MAKE A CLAIM?
You have 3 years to make a claim from the incident but the quicker the claim is made the better it will be.
Children under the age of 18 have until their 21st birthday to make a claim.
WHO DO I CLAIM AGAINST IF ATTACKED BY A DOG?
If you have been attacked by a dog then you can make a claim against the owner who may or may not have insurance for the dog.
If the owner cannot be traced then you may still be entitled to compensation from the CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION AUTHORITY (CICA), which is an organisation who helps with compensation in criminal matters.
Dog owners have an obligation to ensure their dog does not cause harm to others and if they fail their duty then they will be liable for compensation, either personally or through their insurers.
WHO CAN MAKE A CLAIM?
Anyone who is attacked by the dog can make a claim. If a child under the age of 18 is attacked then a parent or guardian can make a claim on the child’s behalf.
If a loved one has been attacked and cannot claim themselves or had passed away as a result of a dog attack then the next of kin can make a claim for compensation.
WHAT CAN I CLAIM FOR?
Anyone who is attacked by the dog can make a claim is entitled to compensation for:
- Personal Injury
- Loss of Earnings
- Travel expenses
- Treatment
- Care claim – if someone had to take care of you as a result of the injury
- Any other losses suffered as a result of the accident, i.e. clothing, medicine, etc
NO WIN NO FEE
We can confirm we operate a NO WIN NO FEE agreement whereby we ensure your legal costs are only payable upon SUCCESSFUL completion of your case.