The dog bite solicitors, Slee Blackwell, answer Frequently Asked Questions about dog bite claims.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Understandably, people are often unsure about what their legal rights are, how the claims process works, and whether pursuing a claim will affect the dog owner personally.
Our specialist solicitors answer some questions we are most frequently asked about making a compensation claim after suffering a dog bite.
Can I claim if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Yes. A dog does not need to have bitten anyone before or even have a history of aggressive behaviour for a claim to succeed. In fact, most claims that our team deals with arise from incidents involving dogs that had never previously shown any signs of aggression.
What matters is whether you suffered injury and whether, in the circumstances, the owner can be held legally responsible for failing to keep the dog under proper control.
Will the dog be put down if I decide to make a claim?
Not usually. A claim for compensation following a dog bite, or dog attack is a matter for civil law. In most cases, any compensation paid will be dealt with through the dog owner’s insurance company rather than by the owner personally.
Whether a dog is later seized or destroyed by the authorities is a completely separate issue altogether and would usually depend on whether the police or local authority become involved under dangerous dogs legislation. This is relatively rare.
What happens if I know the owner of the dog that bit me?
This is actually quite common.
People are often reluctant to bring a claim where the dog belongs to a friend, family member or neighbour. However, these claims are frequently handled through household or pet insurance policies, meaning the matter is generally dealt with by insurers rather than directly between individuals.
Making a claim does not necessarily mean creating conflict with someone you know personally.
How long do I have to start a dog bite claim?
In most cases, court proceedings must be started within three years of the date the injury occurred.
Different rules can apply where the injured person is a child, as the normal limitation period will not usually begin until their eighteenth birthday.
It is generally sensible to seek legal advice sooner rather than later, particularly while crucial evidence is still readily available. the later you leave it the more difficult it can become.
Do I need medical evidence to support my compensation claim?
Usually, yes.
Medical evidence forms an important part of any personal injury claim and objectively establishes both the extent of the injuries suffered and the value of the compensation being claimed.
Depending on the circumstances, evidence may include hospital records, GP notes, photographs of injuries, or an independent medical assessment arranged as part of the claim process.
What if the incident was partly my fault?
That does not necessarily prevent a compensation claim from being made.
There are situations where responsibility can be shared between both parties. For example, if someone ignored a warning or acted in a way which contributed to the incident, compensation may be reduced to reflect that. But it wouldn’t necessarily disbar the claim altogether.
Every case turns on its own facts, so it is important not to make assumptions before obtaining legal advice from one of our team. We operate a free consultation service, so you have nothing to lose by getting in touch..
How much compensation could I receive for my dog bite?
There is no fixed amount.
The value of a claim depends on several factors, including the seriousness of the injury, whether there is permanent scarring, any psychological impact, and financial losses resulting from the incident.
Loss of earnings, medical expenses, and ongoing treatment requirements may also be taken into account.
The more serious the injury, the greater the level of compensation is likely to be.
You can use the Slee Blackwell Solicitors dog bite compensation calculator or contact us for a free consultation.
Do I need a solicitor to pursue a dog bite claim?
Not necessarily, but legal advice can make a significant difference to whether your claim succeeds.
Claims involving dog attacks are not always straightforward, particularly where there is disagreement over how the incident happened or whether the owner was legally responsible.
A solicitor can help gather evidence, deal with insurers, assess liability properly, and ensure compensation is valued correctly.
Will I have to go to court?
In most cases, no. The majority of personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation without a court hearing being necessary.
If court proceedings are required, we will guide you through the process and seek to resolve matters as efficiently as possible.
How long will a dog bite claim take?
It depends entirely on the circumstances.
Straightforward claims where responsibility is admitted and the injuries are not severe may conclude relatively quickly, while cases involving more serious injury or disputed liability often take longer.
The process should never be rushed simply to secure an early settlement, particularly where the long-term effects of an injury are still uncertain.
Can I still claim if the injury seemed minor at first?
Potentially, yes.
What initially appears to be a relatively minor injury can sometimes have longer-term consequences. Scarring, infection, nerve damage, and psychological effects are not always immediately obvious.
It is often worth obtaining advice before deciding that an injury is too minor to justify a claim.
Will I have to pay legal costs upfront?
No. Where we deal with claims under a No Win, No Fee arrangement, we do not make any upfront legal charges or seek any contribution to costs as the case goes on.
This means there are no upfront legal fees to be paid when starting a claim, or as the case continues, allowing you to obtain legal representation without any financial pressure.
We only make a charge if you win your case, and will seek recovery of part of those costs from your opponent.
Thinking About Making A Dog Bite Compensation Claim?
Dog attacks can cause far more than physical injury. In many cases, people are left dealing with scarring, anxiety around animals, loss of confidence, and time away from work.
If you have suffered injury following a dog attack and would like advice about whether you may be entitled to compensation, you can contact our specialist solicitors for free guidance on the options available to you.