Claiming for Dog Attacks

Dogs are the UK’s most popular choice of pet. Around 8.5 million of them happily live with families, and never do anything more aggressive than terrorise your slippers. Unfortunately, the number of dangerous dogs is rising and with it the number of dog attacks. There was a 75% rise of dog attacks in the past decade.

Dog Attacks

Claiming for Dog Attacks

Dog bites can cause both physical and psychological scars, including a lifelong fear of dogs. Children are particularly vulnerable; around 20% of all people who seek medical attention for a dog bite are under nine years old. You can claim compensation after a wound received from a stranger’s dog, or a working dog like a police dog.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, every person who owns or looks after a dog has a legal duty to ensure the people around it are safe from attack, whether actual or threatened, in both public and private areas. So, if you or your child has been bitten by a dog, then call The Compensation Experts. We will let you know if you are entitled to claim compensation and, if so, what to do next.

In some cases, you may not even have to prove that the owner of the dog was negligent. Dangerous species that are not domesticated in the UK are under the Animal Act 1971, meaning their inherently dangerous nature makes the owner responsible for all injuries regardless.

What Steps Should You Take if You Have Been the Victim of a Dog Attack?

If you have been the victim of a dog attack, then you will need to make a police statement. This, along with medical records and witness testimonies, will help you build a solid case against the owner. It is important to note that, though you can make a claim against owners, that you might not always get compensation, as most people are not insured in this way. 

Making a Claim on Behalf of a Child

Children are some of the most common victims of dog attacks. If a child is injured due to a dog attack, then a parent or guardian may be able to make a claim on their behalf. Any compensation would go into a trust until the child turns 18.

The time limits on making a claim also differ in cases involving a child. Usually in a personal injury claim, a person has three years to make a claim. However, in cases involving a child, the time limit is longer. A parent or guardian can claim for a child until they turn 18, and then the child has until they turn 21 to make a claim for themselves.

That being said, we recommend you make a claim as soon as possible after the accident.

How We Can Help with Dog Attacks

Here at The Compensation Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with personal injury claims. This includes dog attack claims. Contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138765 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.