Dog Attack compensation claims
Dog Attack compensation claims
You can sue someone for a dog attack compensation claim if you were injured and they failed to control their dog. Your claim will usually be paid out of the owner’s pet insurance. In some cases, such as in public places, the claim may be paid for out of the organisation’s public liability insurance. If the dog bite happened at work, then your compensation would come out of your employer’s liability insurance.
Can I make a dog attack compensation claim for a dog bite on private property?
You can claim for a dog bite on private property, even if it was the dog owner’s land. In 2014, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was updated to include rules for dog bites on private property. By law, owners must still keep control of their dogs and keep others safe.
The laws around dog attack compensation claims
There are certain laws that apply to dog bite personal injury claims. We can use these when building your case, as they have been put in place to protect others from potentially dangerous animals.
What is The Animals Act 1971?
The Animals Act was introduced in 1971 to protect victims of damage caused by animals. It applies to animals including dogs and livestock, and states that owners are responsible for damage caused by these animals, including physical harm.
What is The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991?
The Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits owners from allowing their dogs to attack others or become dangerously out of control. It also prevents the following dog breeds from being sold, bred, or exchanged:
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Pitbull Terrier
Owners with these breeds of dogs must, by law, have them insured, neutered, and microchipped.
Unlimited legal support
That’s right, we provide unlimited legal support for our prospective clients. Not sure if you have a dog attack compensation claim, or if you even want to make a claim? You can speak with us for as long as you like and as many times as you like. We’ll let you know your legal rights, completely free of charge and with no obligation to make a claim.
Some questions answered
How much can I claim for a dog attack injury?
There are no set compensation amounts when claiming for a dog attack injury, as each case is different. When you make your claim, you will be assessed based on the seriousness of your injury, the long-term impacts on your life, and any financial losses you’ve suffered.
Based on historical cases, dog injuries have been awarded these amounts for specific injuries:
- Minor hand injuries: up to £4,500
- Loss of part of a finger: up to £7,400
- Serious hand injuries: up to £58,000
We will go above and beyond to make sure you get the largest compensation settlement possible.
What can I claim for when claiming for a dog bite injury?
When you claim for a dog bite injury, our specialist solicitors will calculate your claim based on three things:
- General damages: the seriousness of the physical or psychological harm you’ve suffered
- Special damages: any financial losses you’ve suffered, such as medical bills or time off work
- Long-term impacts: any long-term impacts on your life such as changes to your home.
What are the time limits for dog bite compensation claims?
You generally have three years from the date of your injury to make a dog attack compensation claim. This can be longer if the attack happened to a person under 18. You can represent them as a ‘litigation friend’ until their 18th birthday, or they can represent themselves up until the age of 21. If the person was mentally incapacitated, for example, if they had learning difficulties, then there is no time limit for somebody to claim on their behalf.
How Can I Claim Compensation?
You should get in touch as soon as possible after you’ve been injured by a dog. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss what happened to you and whether you have a case. If you do start a claim we can offer different ways to pay, such as no win no fee agreements.
We’ll gather information and try to contact the dog owner to see if they accept responsibility. If they do, we’ll try and get interim compensation payments before your claim settles. This can help pay for things like immediate medical treatment, and travel costs, and replace income if you can’t work.
How long it takes to get your compensation will depend on:
Proving who was responsible for your injury
- If and when that person accepts responsibility
- How severe your injuries are and how long it takes to work out your treatment and rehabilitation needs.
In the majority of cases, we will be able to get you compensation by settling out of court.
We aim to make the claims process as simple as possible, supporting you every step of the way. To get a better idea of how much compensation you could be eligible for and your chances of success, contact RU1INJURED on 0800 955 18 27, or click the GET INTOUCH link below to be taken to our enquiry form to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.