Dog Bite Compensation Claims

Dog Bite Compensation Claims

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors for Dog Bite Compensation Claims

No Win No Fee Claims for Dog Bite Compensation

Duncan Lewis is one of the UK’s leading firms of personal injury and Legal Aid solicitors – and can advise on how to make a no win no fee Dog Bite Compensation Claim if the injury occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Dog Bites/Dog Attacks and the Law

The Dogs Act was first introduced in 1871 – and making a dog bite compensation claim can be complex because dog bite attacks can be covered by different pieces of legislation:

• Animals Act 1971
• Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
• Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997

The proposed Dog Control Bill is set to make dog bites and dog attacks on private property a criminal offence.

Dog Bites/Dog Attacks in Public Places:

• Dog bites which occur in public places can be investigated by the police because there are laws which require owners to control their dogs in public
• In the case of dog attack in a public place – or if the dog was not permitted to be on property where the attack took place (ie the dog(s) strayed onto the property before attacking) – a claim can be made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
• However, you can also make a no win no fee civil claim against the owner for dog bite compensation
• Claims can also be made against the police if you are bitten by a police dog – or are bitten by police dog during arrest and are injured.

Dogs out of control in parks or public places should be reported to a park warden or the police if they appear dangerous and unsupervised or are in a pack.

Dog Bites/Dog Attacks on private property:

• Dog bites and dog attacks which occur on private property – such as someone’s home – are a civil matter if the dog is on property where it is permitted to be
• If you have been injured in an unprovoked dog bite attack as a result of a negligent owner, a no win no fee dog bite compensation claim can be made against the owner.

Making a Dog Bite Compensation Claim

Report any dog bite attacks in public places to the police and seek medical help – remember to take the contact details of the dog’s owner if possible, as well as the contact details of any witnesses.

Take a photo of the dog if possible – especially if the owner will not leave their contact details or the dog is unaccompanied.

Take photos of any injuries or damage to property/clothing to back up your claim – and keep a record of out-of-pocket expense like transport to hospital.

Contact Duncan Lewis for free advice on making a dog bite compensation claim as soon as possible.

Dog bite or dog attack injuries you can claim for include:

• Amputation/loss of limb (including fingers and toes)
• Dog bite wounds
• Facial disfigurement
• Penetrating wounds
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Scalping
• Scarring.

Fatal Injuries sustained in dog bite attacks are eligible for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and a no win no fee claim in the civil courts can also be made.

Children’s injuries and dog bites/dog attacks

Sadly, children have been severely injured and even killed in dog attacks, leaving families devastated.

Families can claim for Children’s Injuries from dog bites or dog attacks, including the tragic loss of a child in a dog attack.

A claim from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme can be made if the dog bite attack happened in a public place – and Duncan Lewis can also guide families through the process of making a no win no fee claim for children’s injuries in dog bite attacks on private property.

How long do I have to claim for Dog Bite Compensation?

Claims for Dog Bite Compensation fall under the area of law known as personal injury.

Personal injury claimants usually have three years from the date of the dog bite injury to make a claim for compensation.

Claims can sometimes be made outside the three-year limitation period, however – and minors have three years from the age of 18 to make a claim.

In the case of Criminal Injuries as a result of dog bites and dog attacks, claimants have two years to make a claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Because of the limitation period for personal injury claims, it is important to seek legal advice from Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors as soon as possible if you wish to make a dog bite compensation claim.

Family members can call Duncan Lewis for advice on making a claim if a loved one has been badly injured in a dog attack and is still recovering in hospital, or has been fatally injured.

How much compensation can I claim for Dog Bites/Dog Attacks?

Claims for Dog Bite Compensation include:

Who pays Compensation in Dog Bite Claims?

The owner of the dog which attacked pays dog bite compensation – usually through pet insurance.

In the case of criminal prosecutions for dog bites and dog attacks, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme would pay claims.

If you are bitten by a dog in the course of your work, your employer’s insurance company might pay your compensation.

Will I have to go to court to claim compensation?

Your Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitor will keep you fully informed at all stages of the case.

Most dog bite compensation claims are settled out-of-court – Duncan Lewis personal injury lawyers negotiate hard to get the best settlement for you.

But if a court hearing is necessary, Duncan Lewis instructs leading barristers who specialise in personal injury cases, to make sure you have the best legal representation possible.

Compensation paid to minors for dog bite or dog attack injuries has to be approved at an Infant Settlement Hearing at the local County Court – the child and their “Litigation Friend” (usually a parent or guardian) have to attend this hearing.

Why Duncan Lewis is the best solicitor for Dog Bite Compensation Claims

• Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors understand just how devastating dog bite injuries can be – we believe in putting you first to obtain the best results for you
• Duncan Lewis is one of the leading firms of Personal Injury and Legal Aid solicitors in the UK
• Our initial advice on making a claim for dog bite compensation is free
• Duncan Lewis accepts claims for dog bite compensation on a no win no fee basis, so you will not have to worry about legal fees
• We will visit you at home if you are recovering from serious dog bite injuries – and can arrange expert medical opinions to help back up your claim
• Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors will make sure you understand every stage of your dog bite compensation claim
• We will handle negotiations for you, so you do not have to worry while you are recovering from your injuries.

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors have a successful track record in accident and injury claims.

Contact Duncan Lewis for free advice on making a dog bite compensation claim by calling 020 7923 4020.