Dog bite injury
Making a claim for compensation regarding an injury incurred through a dog bite can present some hurdles, but if it can be demonstrated that the dog is a threat to the public and has shown previous signs of aggression, then the animal's owner, who is responsible for the dog, can plausibly be held responsible for failing to adequately ensure the safety of the general public and is therefore liable to pay the injured party compensation. If the offending dog has no history of causing harm, a compensation claim is unlikely to be successful.
There are a series of steps you should follow when taking action. Firstly, you should document the incident and find out the name and address of the dog owner and, where possible, any previous occasions where the dog may have caused someone injury. If the dog is a breed that is particularly known to be aggressive, this may swing in your favour along with the weight of case law. Once you have this basic information you can then seek a solicitors advice and assistance in making a claim on a 'no win, no fee' basis.
Over 200,000 dog bites are reported in the UK each year, but in reality the figure is much higher as many people who are bitten do not seek medical attention or legal recourse. Dog bites can cause laceration, skin puncture, tearing and crushing of tissue, while they frequently cause significant pain and leave lasting scars, with children being among the most frequently bitten. In severe cases bites can lead to lengthy periods off work and in some cases permanent disfigurement, giving rise to good reason for making a claim.