Being bitten by a dog is an extremely unpleasant experience and can
cause both infection in the wound and mental trauma. If you have had
a dog deliberately set upon you then it maybe possible to bring your
claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and we can
fully advise you of this. However, the most common scenario is that
you are out walking or visiting a friend and you receive a bite from a
dog. It is by no means automatic that you will recover compensation for
a dog bite. You will have to show that the owner of the dog was aware the
dogs tendency to bite. If the dog has been previously well behaved, then
it may not be possible to make a recovery.
Most household owners do have cover for their dogs under their
household policy and occasionally it will be added onto other policies
they have purchased. It is therefore important to try to establish at an
early stage whether the owner has such insurance to enable the claim
to be brought.
Occasionally, road traffic accidents are caused by dogs that have
escaped or by other animals that have escaped and ran onto the road.
We have successfully brought action against the owners of horses and
dogs who have allowed their animals to escape onto the highway.
However, once again this is not a straight forward matter and requires
investigation and consideration. It is obviously most important as a first
step to identify the owner of the dog and if this is not possible then the
case may go no further.
We appreciate that you may be accessing this site because you have
already received a dog bite but you may find the following tips helpful for
avoid any reputations:-
1. Never approach a strange dog, particularly one who is tied or confined
behind a fence and don’t pet a dog without letting him see and sniff
you first. If you turn your back on a dog and run away, his natural instinct
will be to chase and catch you.
2. Don’t disturb a dog whilst it is sleeping, eating or chewing. Such dogs
may well see you as an intruder or a threat.
3. If you think a dog is about to attack you, do not scream or run. Try and
remain motionless with your hands at your side and avoid eye contact
with the dog. Once he loses interest in you, slowly back away.
4. If unfortunately the dog does attempt to attack you, then feed him your
jacket, purse or other item and try and put them between yourself and
the dog. If you are knocked to the ground then curl up into a ball with
your hands over your ears, remain motionless and do not scream.
5. If you are bitten by the dog seek medical treatment immediately as
infections can result.
This advice has been given by the Humane Society of the United States
and we cannot accept responsibility for acting for not acting on the
basis of such advice.
Accidents caused by Animals
Frequently, accidents on the highway are caused by stray dogs or
occasionally, stray farm animals and horses. The burden on dog owners
and the owners of animals generally, is a heavy one to ensure that their
animals are properly restrained and do not stray onto the highway where
they may cause accidents.
We have successfully claimed against dog owners, farm owners and
horse owners for their animals causing injury on the highway. There is a
heavy burden on animal owners to make sure that they are properly
restrained and kept under control. If accidents, are caused by straying
animals on the highway, then we have good chance of success. Most
household owners will have cover for accidents caused by their animals
on their household policies.
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