Compensation for Dog Attack

The consequences of being bitten by a dog can be horrific. Even beyond the trauma and difficulties caused by injury, it is the kind of attack – most commonly occurring when the victim is cycling or walking, which can have lasting psychological effects.

Dogs can be unpredictable and can be extremely violent. Because of this, dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs are properly controlled. Failing to properly control a dog can lead to real tragedy.

A person who suffers an unprovoked attack by a dog can therefore make a personal injury claim – and should do for two main reasons.

Firstly, a person can justly expect to be compensated for lack of earnings or medical care that might be needed as a result of an injury they received from a dog bite or attack.

Secondly, the threat of a compensation claim will act as a deterrent to dog owners and help to maintain the standard of responsibility necessary to own dogs.

In 1990 and 1991 there was a spate of dog attacks that received widespread media coverage and led to public outrage. As a result, Government introduced a new piece of legislation, the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The legislation stipulated that owners of the certain breeds of dog (Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero) had to meet strict requirements.

These included keeping the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in a public place, registering their dog on the Index of Exempted Breeds, getting them micro-chipped, tattooed and insured.

Under the legislation, any injury caused by these exempted breeds will lead to compensation being payable even if the dog showed no previous signs of aggression.

The use of guard dogs is also strictly regulated. It is illegal for a guard dog to be present unless a handler capable of controlling the dog is also present. It is also illegal to use a guard dog unless it is signed in the area that a dog is patrolling. If a business fails to follow these laws and the dog attacks, they can expect a compensation claim to be made.

There are other, less common, situations when someone may receive an injury as a result of a poorly controlled dog – for example a car accident caused by a stray animal running onto the road.

Again, such an accident can lead to injuries that make some form of financial remuneration more than justified.

Still many people balk at the prospect of making a claim. Navigating the claims process can be daunting, but it is important to remember that the compensation claims system is in place for a reason – and the principal of access to justice is important.

The first step to making a claim is speaking to a trained person who can advise as to whether your claim is worth pursuing. This can be done easily. At National Accident Helpline, call centre staff can tell you whether they think you should speak to a solicitor. They can then put you in touch with one in your area to progress your claim.