Have You Suffered A Dog Bite?

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.

The Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) 1991

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (DDA) introduced breed-specific legislation (BSL) - a ban on the ownership of certain breeds that were regarded as more dangerous than others (including Pit Bull Terriers and Japanese Tosas). However, the Act also recognised that any breed of dog (however usually placid and friendly) might attack a person.

Section 3 of the DDA 'Keeping dogs under proper control' makes it an offence for any dog to be dangerously out of control, anywhere, including its own home.

Do I have a dog bite injury claim?

As a basic rule, you can make a dog bite injury claim if you sustained an injury:

• within the last three years, and;
• another person was to blame, and;
• that person owed you a duty of care.

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 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 Can I Earn?