The importance of medical evidence in dog bite claims
In this real-life case study, we show how medical evidence can support your dog bite claim.
Our client was chatting with a friend when an unknown dog approached her. She didn’t realise it, but the dog had escaped from a nearby property. With no warning or provocation, the dog bit our client on her forearm.
She went to the local Accident and Emergency Department, and they cleaned her wound. She was told to return to hospital the following day to undergo a debridement procedure and receive stitches.
Following the incident, our client experienced nightmares, a fear of dogs, and increased levels of anxiety. Sadly, these are all common symptoms we see clients suffering from after being bitten by a dog. She had to take two weeks off work because of her physical injuries, and she avoided going to her local park following the incident to avoid meeting or interacting with dogs.
Thankfully, our client’s condition gradually improved; however, she has unfortunately been left with permanent scarring.
The specialist lawyer dealing with her compensation claim on a no win, no fee basis instructed several medical experts so that she had the strongest possible legal claim. These experts included:
- a psychiatrist,
- a camouflage cosmetic expert,
- a consultant in anaesthetics and pain management,
- a consultant in trauma
- a plastic surgeon, and a
- a consultant neurophysiologist.
Experts from all these disciplines enabled our team to achieve a successful outcome.
We submitted the medical reports to the dog owner’s insurance company and successfully reached an out of court settlement of the case.
Our client received a compensation package of £52,000.