A dog attack can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. If you’ve been bitten or injured through no fault of your own, our solicitors may be able to help you claim compensation on a no-win, no-fee basis*.
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A dog bite claim is a type of personal injury claim made when someone is injured due to a dog owner’s negligence or failure to properly control their animal.
Under UK law, dog owners have a legal responsibility to prevent their dogs from causing harm. If a dog bites, attacks or injures you in a public place or on private property, you may have grounds to claim compensation.
Dog bite claims can involve injuries sustained in parks, on pavements, at work, while visiting someone’s home, or anywhere a dog has not been properly controlled.
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the dog attack to start a claim.
If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the incident, they have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. Different rules may also apply where someone lacks mental capacity.
Because evidence can be lost over time, seeking legal advice as soon as possible gives your dog bite claim the strongest chance of success.
Making a dog bite compensation claim can help ease the financial and emotional burden caused by the attack.
Compensation may cover medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, psychological support, lost earnings and travel expenses. In more serious cases, it may also include future care needs, scarring treatment, or long-term financial losses.
If you are searching for the average payout for a dog bite in the UK, the amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Our solicitors will assess your case individually to ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Dog bite claims can arise in a number of different situations.
occur when a dog bites or injures someone in parks, streets or other public areas where the owner failed to maintain control.
can happen when visiting someone’s home or carrying out work on their property.
may arise where delivery drivers, tradespeople or postal workers are injured while carrying out their duties.
involve dogs that have previously shown aggressive behaviour or are not properly restrained.
are particularly serious, as children are often more vulnerable to severe injuries and long-term emotional trauma.
Making a claim isn’t just about financial compensation, it’s about getting your life back on track. Here’s how a successful dog bite claim can support you:
If your injury prevents you from working, a claim can help replace lost income while you recover or seek further treatment.
Compensation can help cover vital medical costs, including corrective surgery, specialist consultations, and long-term treatment or care.
A cosmetic surgery claim can provide compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by negligence or poor results.
Compensation may cover essential rehabilitation, such as psychological therapy or counselling, to aid your recovery.
In more serious cases, you may receive general damages for permanent scarring, ongoing trauma, or changes to your quality of life.
To ensure you receive the dog attack compensation you deserve, follow these steps:
First and foremost, 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 dog attack claim, such as photographs of your injuries, medical reports, witness statements, and any police reports.
Contact a specialised dog bite lawyer who can work with you to secure your compensation. CEL Solicitors offer a free consultation to assess your case, and we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.
During your initial consultation, your dog bite solicitor will assess the strength of your claim, explain your rights, and 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 dog attack 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.
Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.
Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.
Yes – dog bite incidents are becoming increasingly common across England and Wales. In 2024, there were over 32,500 recorded dog attacks, marking a rise compared to previous years. This increase highlights the importance of understanding your rights if you’ve been injured.
Yes. A dog bite claim can include compensation for anxiety, fear, PTSD or other psychological effects caused by the attack.
Yes. If you were injured during a criminal incident involving a dog, you may still be entitled to claim compensation. In some cases, you can apply through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) if the attack resulted from a criminal act. Our dog bite solicitors can assess your situation and guide you through the most appropriate compensation route.
There are time limits for making a claim. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident. If the person injured was under 18 at the time, they have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. Acting early helps protect evidence and gives your dog bite solicitor the strongest chance of securing your compensation.
The amount of compensation depends on how serious your injuries are and how the dog attack incident has affected your life. Claims can cover:
Every case is different, so we’ll take the time to understand your situation and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether the dog attack happened in a park, on the street, or even on private land, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for keeping their pet under control. If their failure to do so caused you harm, you could be entitled to dog bite compensation.
It depends on where the dog attack took place – if it happened in public, dog bites are usually paid for through the owner’s pet insurance. However, if you were bitten in your workplace, your employer’s liability insurance would provide the compensation fee.
Not necessarily. A dog bite doesn’t automatically mean the dog will be put down – the decision depends on the severity of the attack, the dog’s history and the circumstances of the incident.
Yes – you can still pursue a dog bite claim even if the dog is not a banned breed. What matters is proving that the owner was responsible for the attack.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 makes it illegal for dog owners to let their pets behave aggressively or become dangerous. It also restricts the sale, breeding and exchange of certain breeds, including:
We have extensive experience handling dog attack claims.
Nothing to pay up front. You only pay if we win.
Every claim is different, so we tailor our service to your needs.
Our team of dog attack solicitors is committed to getting the best outcome for our clients.
If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, contact CEL Solicitors today to discuss your options and start your claim.
