Dog bite incidents can be shocking, painful, and distressing. You may be entitled to a dog bite compensation claim if you have suffered an injury. At CEL Solicitors, we offer no-win, no-fee claims with nothing to pay upfront. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and help secure the compensation you deserve.
A dog bite claim allows you to seek compensation if you’ve been attacked by a dog. This could occur because a dog’s owner failed to control their pet or if the dog was in an area where it should not have been. Injuries from dog bites can range from minor cuts to severe wounds requiring surgery. The effects can be both physical and emotional, and compensation can help with rehabilitation, pain, and distress.
If a dog has attacked you, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries. Alongside compensation for the physical damage, dog bite injury claims can also cover the emotional impact of the attack.
Dog bite claims can arise in different situations, such as:
Dog bites are common in public areas like parks or on the streets, especially if the dog is not properly controlled.
Even on private property, a dog bite can occur if the dog is not properly trained or restrained.
Some breeds are considered more dangerous and are subject to restrictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. However, dogs of all breeds can cause harm if they are improperly trained or mistreated by their owners.
Dog owners have a legal duty to ensure their pets are kept under control and do not cause harm. If an owner fails to uphold this responsibility, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. This is especially true if the attack caused physical harm or emotional distress.
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite attack, bringing a personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for:
If you need treatment not covered by the NHS, your claim can help pay for these costs.
If you can’t work while recovering, you may be able to claim back lost earnings.
Compensation can be awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
If you need physiotherapy or counselling to help with your recovery, your claim can cover these costs.
General damages can be awarded for both the physical and emotional effects of a dog bite, including permanent scarring and lasting psychological trauma.
To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, follow these steps:
Your health should be your priority. Make sure to get medical treatment and keep a detailed record of your injuries and treatment.
Collect evidence to support your claim, such as photographs of your injuries, medical reports, witness statements, and any police reports.
Contact a solicitor who specialises in dog bite claims. At CEL Solicitors, we offer a free consultation to assess your case, and we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you don’t face any financial risk.
During your initial consultation, your solicitor will assess the strength of your claim and explain your rights. They’ll also outline the compensation you may be entitled to.
Your solicitor will help you file the necessary legal documents to start your claim, detailing the incident and your injuries.
Many claims are settled out of court. Your solicitor will negotiate with the other party’s insurer to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
If a settlement cannot be reached, we may take your case to court. We will instruct a barrister to represent you and present your case.
The amount of dog bite compensation you can claim depends on the type of injury you sustained and the financial losses you incurred. Severe injuries, such as permanent scarring, emotional trauma, or loss of mobility, will lead to higher compensation amounts. General damages are awarded for the pain and suffering caused by your injury.
A successful dog bite injury claim considers both physical injuries and the emotional impact of the attack. Compensation is assessed based on the long-term consequences of the injury.
Dog bites are more common than people often realise. In 2023, there were 30,594 recorded dog attacks in England and Wales. This represents a sharp increase from 18,527 incidents in 2018, emphasising the need for better awareness and protection for victims of dog attacks.
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite attack, you may be asking, “Can I claim compensation for a dog bite?” The answer is yes. If the attack was the result of someone else’s negligence, you can claim compensation. You have up to three years from the date of the injury to make a personal injury claim, though exceptions may apply for children or individuals with limited mental capacity.
If the attack occurred because of criminal activity – for example, as part of an attack by the owner – compensation may be available through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t face the situation alone. CEL Solicitors is here to help you claim the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation and let our experienced team guide you through the process.
Our personal injury specialists are here to help.