General information about dog attacks and compensation in the UK

We may be able to help you claim compensation if you have suffered injury following a dog attack in the UK.

Background:

More than 200,000 dog attack cases are recorded in the UK each year.

Being bitten or attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience and can leave the victim with both physical and psychological injuries.

If you or someone you know has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you or they may be able to make claim for compensation.

If a claim for a dog bite or attack is to be successful, there would need to be evidence that the owner, keeper, or handler of the dog knew or ought to have known, that the dog was dangerous and therefore was likely to bite if not controlled or restrained properly.

If the dog has previously attacked or shown aggressive tendencies, it is more likely that a claim or a dog bite or attack will be successful.

Under The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended), it is an offence to keep or own any of the dogs below unless they have been placed on the Index of exempted Dogs:

1. Pit Bull Terriers
2. Japanese Tosas
3. Dogo Agentinos
4. Fila Brazillieros

Such dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled when in the public and should be tattooed, chipped and insured.

If you are attacked by any of these dogs, a personal injury claim is likely to be successful even if the dog has no previous history of violence or aggression. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in the last three years and have suffered a personal injury as a result, you may be entitled to make a no win no fee compensation claim.

Most people who own a dog will either have pet insurance or home and contents insurance. If your claim for a dog bite or attack is successful, the compensation paid would come from the dog owner’s insurance company.

It is also possible in some circumstances to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority if certain criteria are met.

In order to have a reasonable chance of success in making a claim you must:  

1. Identify the owner of the dog and provide his or her address.  
2. Consider reporting the attack to the police. You may or may not be the first victim but most certainly will not be the last.
3. Take photographs of the injury or any scarring caused by the bite or attack.
4. Get the contact details of any witnesses.

The Claims Connection personal injury compensation specialists:

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