Dog Bite Claims
One in four people have been bitten by a dog in their lifetime. Usually, these incidents aren't serious but, as we all know, dog bites can be serious with the potential for tragic outcomes.
If you or a child under your care has been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the bite or attack.
To find out more about how Lawhive can assist with a no win, no fee dog bite claim, speak to our Legal Assessment Specialists today.
Can I claim compensation for a dog bite?
Yes, you can claim compensation for a dog bite. Laws like the Animals Act 1971 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 cover these claims. Whether you can get compensation depends on what happened, how the dog behaved, and if the owner was careless.
A solicitor can help you understand if you have a case and guide you through the process. Contact us today to find out more.
Can I claim compensation if I was bitten by a dog at work?
If you're bitten by a dog while at work, your employer is responsible for keeping you safe and preventing such incidents. If they haven't taken the necessary precautions, you can likely make a claim. Your employer should regularly assess risks, provide training on dog handling, ensure proper supervision, give you the right protective gear, and review workplace practices. If they fail to do so and you're bitten by a dog, they may be negligent and you may be able to make a claim.
Can I make a dog bite claim for my child?
If your child is bitten by a dog, you can make a claim for them as their parent or legal guardian.
You should report the incident to the authorities, gather information, and take photos of the injuries. Then, contact a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims. They'll guide you through the process of making your claim.
Can I claim for a dog bite on private property?
Yes, you can potentially claim for a dog bite that happens on private property. While the rules may vary from public spaces, the legal principles of negligence and duty of care still apply.
If the dog owner knew or should have known that their dog posed a risk of causing harm and failed to take appropriate steps to prevent an incident, they may be held liable, and you may have a claim.
Many homeowners have insurance that covers liability for injuries caused by their dogs. If you make a compensation claim, it's often the homeowner's insurance company that handles the claim and provides compensation.
Can I claim if a police dog bites me?
If the use of the police dog was excessive or if there was negligence on the part of the handler or police force, you may have grounds for a claim. Negligence could involve inadequate training, failure to control the dog, or other breaches of duty of care.
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. If your rights under this legislation, such as the right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment, are violated during an incident involving a police dog, it may strengthen your claim.
Dog bites and UK law
UK law regarding dog bites and attacks is governed by two main pieces of legislation that provide protection and rights for individuals involved.
The Animals Act 1971
Under The Animals Act 1971, owners are usually responsible for damage caused by their animals, even if they weren't negligent or the animal wasn't aggressive before. The Act also holds owners accountable if their animal injures trespassers, as long as the owner knows the animal could be dangerous.
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was introduced to tackle concerns about dog attacks and aggressive behavior.
Under this Act, certain breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa are considered "dangerous," and there are restrictions on owning, breeding, or selling them. Control orders, like muzzling and leash requirements, can be imposed on dogs deemed a risk to public safety.
It's a criminal offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in public or in restricted areas, and for causing injury or fear of injury to a person.
Alongside criminal charges, the Act covers civil liability for dog owners if their dog injures someone while dangerously out of control. Victims can seek compensation. The Act also sets out rules for identifying prohibited breeds (like XL Bullys), microchipping, and record-keeping.
What to do if you’ve been bitten by a dog
If you've been bitten by a dog you should:
Get medical attention
Your health is your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Dog bites can lead to infections and complications, and a medical professional can assess the extent of the injury and provide necessary treatment.
Report the incident
Report the dog bite to the local authorities, such as the police or the dog warden. This helps create an official record of the incident, which may be useful if you decide to pursue legal action.
Also, get the contact information of the dog owner at the scene, if possible. If the incident occurred on private property, take down the property owner's information.
Take photographs and evidence
Document the scene and your injuries by taking photographs. This includes the location of the incident, any visible injuries, and the dog (if possible). If there were witnesses to the dog bite, ask for their contact information and statements.
Keep records of all the medical treatment you have received related to the dog bite. This includes visits to the hospital, consultations, prescriptions, and any follow-up care.
Get legal advice
A personal injury solicitor will assess your case, provide you with legal advice, and let you know if you have a claim and what to do if you decide to seek compensation for your injuries.
How to report a dog bite or attack
First, If there's immediate danger or serious injury, call emergency services on 999.
If the incident has passed and there's no immediate danger, but you feel the animal poses a threat to public safety, report the incident to the police. Provide details about the incident, your injuries, and any information about the dog and its owner. You can contact your local police station or use the non-emergency number 101.
You can also report the incident to your local council's dog warden or animal control services. The dog warden handles issues related to dangerous dogs and can investigate the incident. Contact information for your local dog warden is available on your council's website or by calling the council's general number.
When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide the following information:
Your contact details
Details of the dog owner (if known)
Description of the dog
Location, date, and time of the incident
Details of any witnesses
Is it worth suing for a dog bite?
Reporting a dog bite or attack is important for public safety. Authorities need to be aware of aggressive dog incidents to take appropriate action and prevent future occurrences.
As for suing, the decision ultimately rests with you after getting advice from a solicitor. However, if someone else's negligence led to the attack, legal action can sometimes highlight the seriousness of the situation and prevent it from happening again.
If the dog bite caused serious injuries requiring medical treatment, surgery, or long-term care, pursuing legal action may be more justified. Severe injuries can result in significant medical expenses and affect your quality of life, making suing a way to address these challenges. Additionally, there may be medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses to consider. If you're facing substantial economic losses due to the incident, seeking compensation may be worthwhile.
Who pays compensation after a dog attack?
Compensation for injuries caused by a dog attack is typically paid by the dog owner or their insurance provider. Many homeowners have insurance policies that cover liability for injuries caused by their dogs, which is often included in standard homeowner's or renter's insurance. When a dog injures a person or another animal, the owner may be responsible for covering the damages.
What happens if I get bitten by a dog but the owner has no insurance?
If the dog owner doesn't have insurance or refuses to cooperate, you may need to look at other legal options, such as filing a civil claim directly against the owner.
In such situations, it's advisable to seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims. They can assess your case and recommend the best course of action based on the circumstances of the dog attack.
Do dogs that bite get put down?
Whether a dog that has bitten someone gets put down depends on the severity of the incident, the circumstances of the bite, and decisions made by authorities. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 outlines the legal framework for dealing with dangerous or aggressive dogs.
If a dog is deemed dangerously out of control and causes injury, a court may issue control orders, like muzzling or leash restrictions. In severe cases, the court may order the dog to be put down. Authorities may also consider alternatives, like rehabilitation programs for the dog, depending on the circumstances and behavior.
Will the owner of the dog that bit me be prosecuted?
Whether the owner of the dog that bit you will be prosecuted depends on various factors, including evidence of negligence or failure to prevent the incident. Negligence might involve allowing the dog to roam off the lead, not controlling it, or being aware of its aggressive tendencies. The dog's history, including previous incidents of aggression or biting, could also impact the decision. If the dog has a known aggressive history, it may strengthen the prosecution case. If you report the incident to the police, they will investigate to gather evidence and assess the case. The findings of this investigation will influence whether charges are brought against the owner. Ultimately, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides whether to prosecute. They review the evidence provided by the police and determine if there's a reasonable chance of securing a conviction.