Experiencing a dog bite injury can be a traumatic event, leaving you with physical and emotional scars. If you’ve been injured by someone else’s dog, it’s important to understand that you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. UK law places a responsibility on dog owners to ensure their animals are kept under control, and if they fail in this duty, they can be held liable for any injuries caused.
Understanding Dog Bite Law in the UK
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is a key piece of legislation concerning dog bite claims in the UK. This Act makes it an offence for a dog to be “dangerously out of control” in a public place or in a private place where it is not permitted to be. A dog is considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it might injure them.
However, you don’t need to prove that the dog is a banned breed or that it has a history of aggression to make a claim. If you’ve suffered an injury from a dog bite, regardless of the breed or the dog’s past behaviour, you may still have a valid claim. The key is to establish that the dog owner was negligent in controlling their animal and that this negligence led to your injury.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, the first and most important step is to seek medical attention. Even if the bite seems minor, it’s crucial to have it properly cleaned and assessed by a medical professional to prevent infection and other complications.
After seeking medical care, it’s important to gather evidence that can support your claim. This includes:
- Taking photographs of your injuries.
- Recording the details of the dog and its owner, including their name, address, and contact information.
- Obtaining contact details of any witnesses who saw the incident.
- Reporting the incident to the police, especially if the dog is considered dangerous.
- Keeping a record of any expenses incurred as a result of the injury, such as medical bills, travel costs, and lost wages.
Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor scratches and puncture wounds to severe lacerations, nerve damage, and even scarring. In some cases, dog bites can also lead to infections, such as tetanus or rabies.
Some common injuries in dog bite cases include:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds: These are the most common types of injuries caused by dog bites.
- Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to infections.
- Scarring: Dog bites can cause permanent scarring, especially if the wound is deep or on the face.
- Nerve damage: In severe cases, dog bites can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.
- Psychological trauma: Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, leading to anxiety, fear, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Making a Dog Bite Claim
Making a dog bite claim involves several steps, including:
- Gathering evidence: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
- Contacting a solicitor: A solicitor specialising in personal injury claims can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the claims process. Â
- Sending a letter of claim: Your solicitor will send a letter of claim to the dog owner or their insurance company, outlining the details of the incident and the compensation you are seeking.
- Negotiating a settlement: If the dog owner admits liability, your solicitor will negotiate a settlement with their insurance company.
- Court proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, your solicitor may initiate court proceedings to pursue your claim.
What Compensation Can I Claim for a Dog Bite Injury?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a dog bite injury will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. Compensation can cover various aspects, including:
- Pain and suffering: This compensates for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury.
- Medical expenses: This covers the cost of medical treatment, including doctor’s visits, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Loss of earnings: If you are unable to work due to your injury, you can claim for lost wages.
- Care and assistance: If you require help with daily tasks due to your injury, you can claim for the cost of care and assistance.
- Travel expenses: This covers the cost of travel to and from medical appointments.
Dog Bite Injury? Make a Claim Today
A dog bite can be a deeply upsetting experience, causing pain, fear, and lasting trauma. At National Claims, we understand the impact such an event can have, not just on the individual injured, but on their families too. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury that wasn’t your fault, we’re here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injury
The UK law holds dog owners responsible for keeping their animals under control. When this responsibility is breached, and an injury occurs, you have the right to seek compensation. This compensation can help cover various costs and losses associated with the dog bite
Don’t let a dog bite incident leave lasting scars. Contact National Claims today for your free consultation and take the first step towards obtaining justice and closure for your child and your family.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
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