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Dog Bite Compensation
If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, you may have a valid dog bite compensation claim.
Dog bites have been on the increase in the UK in recent years. Figures show an average of around 7,693 admissions to NHS hospitals a year for dog-related injuries, with a total of 23,078 between 2015 and 2018.
Dog bites account for the majority of bite claims. Many different breeds of dogs commonly bite, including border collies, rottweilers and pit bull terriers.
To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can vary in severity, many can leave victims needing emergency medical treatment. The effects are often devastating for victims. They might have to stay in hospital for a long period of time and/or endure extensive injuries such as psychological damage and physical impairment.
If you have witnessed a dog attack, you should call an ambulance as soon as you can. Secondly, if possible, you should use first aid to treat and clean the wound to avoid infection. A wound that becomes infected could become more painful and you may need antibiotics. In rare cases, a dog bite wound can lead to blood poisoning and other serious conditions.
Postmen and women, couriers and young children are those most at risk of a dog attack. If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite in the last three years, you could be able to claim personal injury compensation.
Can I Avoid A Dog Attack?
Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid a bite from a dog. However, there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of it happening.
- Never put your face up to a dog’s face; if a dog looks uncertain of you, you should avoid getting physically close to it.
- Don’t leave children or babies on their own near dogs no matter what kind of history a dog may have.
- Don’t go near a dog that is barking, growling, snarling, sleeping, eating, or nursing her pups.
Making a Dog Bite Compensation Claim
Compensation claims for dog bites involve making a claim against the owner of the dog. Often, the owner is in a position to prevent their dog from biting members of the public.
In some cases, particularly if the dog in question is particularly dangerous, the owner of the dog may have third party liability insurance in place to protect them against a compensation claim.
If they do not have insurance, you may be able to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) if the dog is considered a ‘Dangerous Dog’ or the dog was deliberately set upon you.
If you have suffered an injury following a dog bite you should immediately contact personal injury solicitors with experience in this area of the law.
You should also seek medical advice as soon as possible. The extent of your injuries will have a vital role to play in your potential compensation, but this must first be verified by a medical expert, such as your GP. Any documentary evidence from a medical practitioner to support your claim will be integral to your legal claim.
If there were any witnesses to the accident it is also important to obtain their contact details. They may be able to provide a statement later down the line which will help to strengthen your claim.
Prior to this, the first step you should take is to find out exactly who owns the dog (if it is not immediately apparent) and if they have insurance.
How Much Compensation?
All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. Compensation is understood by looking at two specific factors: general damages and special damages.
General Damages
The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused are the main factors that are used to determine how much general damage compensation you are owed. This will usually be determined by undergoing a medical examination, from which a report is created that highlights the length of time the injuries will take to heal as well as their severity. Our compensation calculator will give you an indication of how much general damage compensation you might be entitled to based upon your injuries.
Special Damages
In addition to receiving compensation for your injuries, you may be able to reclaim any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries. Compensation for financial losses is known as special damages compensation. This can include losses such as loss of earnings due to not being able to return to work, the cost of treatment as well as travel to treatment. It is important that you keep any receipts or evidence of additional losses in order for these to be reclaimed. With the exception of children, there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim. This time limit begins from the date that the accident initially occurred. Therefore, you should contact us as soon as possible to assess your case.
Making Personal Injury Claims
If you have been involved in an accident you may be entitled to compensation. First Personal Injury is available to assist you and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
First Personal Injury works with both families and individuals across England and Wales, leading them on their legal journey and helping them claim compensation after an accident or injury.
Claiming For Dog Bite Compensation With First Personal Injury
Sometimes dog bite victims might have to take periods of time off work or pay for medical expenses. Because of this, if you have been bitten by a dog, you might be left out of pocket.
A personal injury claim will take into consideration any loss of earnings and out-of-pocket expenses you have had as well as the level of pain and suffering you have experienced. If you would like more information or would like to begin your claim, please get in touch. Call our team on 0333 358 2345 or complete one of our online claim forms.
Have you had an accident? You could be entitled to compensation
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential accident claim today on 0333 358 2345 or, alternatively, fill out our online form.
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Get in touch with First Personal Injury on 0333 358 2345 or through our online claim form.