Can I Claim for a Dog Bite?
Yes, you can claim compensation for a dog bite in the UK if the attack was caused by another person’s negligence. Dog owners have a legal duty to ensure their pets are under control at all times, whether at home or in public. If a dog bites you and causes injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
To make a successful claim, you will generally need to demonstrate the following:
- That you were injured (e.g. through photographs and medical records)
- That the dog bite occurred within the last three years
- That the injury was caused by another person’s dog
Our team of specialist personal injury lawyers have worked on lots of cases involving dog bites and we work on a no win no fee basis – contact us today to discuss your claim.
Are dog attacks increasing?
The number of dog attacks in England and Wales has almost doubled between 2018 and 2024, causing growing concern about public safety and responsible dog ownership. According to the BBC’s reporting on data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, dog attacks resulting in injury to people surged by over 30% during this period. In 2018, police recorded just over 16,000 incidents involving out-of-control dogs causing injury, while by 2023, that figure had risen to over 35,000.
A number of factors have each helped contribute to the increase, including an increase in dog ownership which happened during the pandemic. Many new dog owners, especially those who acquired pets during lockdowns, struggled to provide adequate socialisation and training. This has led to behavioural issues in dogs, which can manifest as aggression.
Experts, including dog behaviourists and animal welfare charities, have highlighted that much of the aggression seen in dogs stems from anxiety, poor socialisation, or improper training. The lack of early socialisation, particularly during the pandemic when many dogs missed key developmental experiences, has resulted in increased behavioural problems.
Authorities have responded to this growing issue by focusing more on dangerous dogs (e.g. the XL Bully) and tightening enforcement. Police forces across the country have also recorded a rise in the number of dogs seized due to dangerous behaviour, with nearly 3,500 dogs removed from their owners in 2022 alone.
This upward trend in dog attacks underscores the need for more responsible pet ownership and better understanding of dog behaviour. The rising number of cases also serves as a reminder that while dogs can be loyal and loving companions, they require proper care, training, and supervision to ensure the safety of both their owners and the public.
Dog bites can cause physical as well as emotional or psychological injury. Regardless of severity, victims may be entitled to compensation. In this guide, we answer common questions about dog bite claims in the UK, providing valuable insights into the legal process, average payouts, and timelines for securing compensation. If you are the victim of a dog bite injury, our team of specialist personal injury lawyers can help you to access justice. Call us today to discuss your claim.
Can I make a dog bite claim if I don’t know who owns the dog?
Yes, you can still make a dog bite claim even if you don’t know who owns the dog, though it may be more challenging.
You may be able to access justice through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) which compensates victims of violent crimes in the UK, including injuries caused by dogs, particularly where the dog was used in a criminal act. Our team of experienced lawyers can help you take your claim through this process – so get in touch with us.
Can I make a dog bite claim if the owner doesn’t have insurance?
Yes, it’s possible that you can still make a dog bite claim even if the owner doesn’t have insurance, though it can be harder to achieve a successful outcome. If the owner acted criminally by encouraging the dog to attack, we may be able to help you claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
If you were attacked by a dog whilst at work, you may have grounds to claim against your employer. The best thing to do is to speak to us to see if we can assist you with your claim.
How to Make a Claim for a Dog Bite
Follow these steps after a dog bite in order to build a good case for a claim:
- Always prioritise your health. Dog bites can lead to infections, scarring, or more serious injuries. Seek medical attention and make sure you take photographs of your injuries as these photos, along with your medical records, are good evidence to support your case.
- Make sure you report the incident to the police and make sure you get a crime reference number. Our team of lawyers can get a copy of your report from the police to support your claim.
- Take photos of the injury and the location of the attack. If you can, get photos of the dog that caused the attack (e.g. via social media). If possible, get the owner’s contact details and information and contact details for any witnesses to the event or similar events involving the dog.
- If the incident happened in a public place and you believe it may have been captured on CCTV, our team can help you get the CCTV footage as part of your claim.
- Contact us. Our experienced solicitors can guide you through the claim process, ensuring you gather all necessary documents, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
What can I claim for if I get bitten or attacked by a dog?
If successful, settlements of dog bite claims can include payments for:
- Pain and suffering as a result of injuries you get following a dog bite or attack.
- Medical expenses, e.g. for plastic surgery, counselling, rehabilitation and medication.
- Loss of earnings, if you are unable to work or need to work light duties for a period as a result of injuries from a dog bite.
We specialise in personal injury claims and have an excellent track record of success for clients who have suffered as a result of dog attacks. Call us today to discuss your claim.
Do you have to go to court for a Dog Bite claim?
It’s unlikely you will need to go to court for a dog bite claim. The overwhelming majority of personal injury cases, including dog bite claims, do not end up in court. We may issue court proceedings against the defendant as part of our legal strategy if the defendant denies that they are responsible, however even then it’s unlikely your claim will end up in court. If you would like to discuss a potential claim, please get in touch with our team of experienced personal injury solicitors today.
How Much Can I Claim for a Dog Bite in the UK?
The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. The range varies, but here are some examples based on typical cases:
- Minor hand injuries, ranging from hundreds of pounds to several thousand, depending on the extent of the injury.
- Injury to or loss of part of a finger. Depending on which figure you have injured and the extent of your injury, compensation can vary significantly, typically ranging from several thousand pounds.
- Serious hand injuries can be worth tens of thousands, depending on the level of impairment.
- Psychological injury or trauma (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) can result contribute towards your settlement from around £4,000 to over £40,000 depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.
- You can also claim for loss of earnings. The amount you can claim for loss of earnings as a result of a dog bite claim will depend on how long you were off work, the effect on your future ability to work, and your earning potential.
Each case is unique, and additional factors, such as scarring, nerve damage, or emotional distress, can significantly affect the compensation amount. Speak to our team today for specialist advice tailored to your case.
What Is the Average Payout for a Dog Bite Claim?
The average payout for a dog bite claim in the UK varies widely based on the circumstances of the dog attack, the injuries you have suffered and how these have affected you. Generally, the average payout for a dog bite claim can range from £1,000 for minor injuries to well over £50,000 for more severe, life-changing injuries. Speak to a member of our experienced team today to find out more.
Can You Sue for a Minor Dog Bite in the UK?
Yes, even minor dog bites can be grounds for a claim in the UK. Although the injury may seem small, there can be long-term effects such as scarring or psychological trauma. If the bite has impacted your quality of life or led to medical expenses, pursuing a claim may be justified. Our team specialises in personal injury cases, including dog bite claims, and offers free initial consultations. We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so feel free to contact us to discuss your potential claim.
How Long After a Dog Bite Can You Claim?
You have up to three years from the date of the incident to make a claim. However, it’s advisable to start the process as soon as possible to ensure that evidence, such as witness statements and medical records, is readily available. Contact us to speak to a member of our specialist team today and see how we can help.
How Much Money Can I Get from a Dog Bite claim?
Compensation for a dog bite injury covers various factors, including:
- General Damages: For the physical and psychological harm suffered.
- Special Damages: For financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, and any future care costs.
Typically, dog bite claim payouts can range from around £1,000 for minor injuries to over £50,000 for severe, life-altering injuries. The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on the strength of your case, the seriousness of the injury, and its long-term effects on your life. Speak to a member of our specialist personal injury team today to find out more.
How Long Does It Take to Get Money from a Dog Bite Claim?
The time it takes to settle a dog bite claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case. If the dog’s owner accepts liability early on, the process could be relatively quick, taking just a few months. However, if the case is more complicated or goes to court, it could take over a year. Because each case is different, the best thing for you to do is to speak to one of our team today to discuss your case.
What Is a Level 1 Dog Bite?
The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale, created by Dr. Ian Dunbar, classifies dog bites into six levels based on the severity of the bite. You’ll see from the summary below that a level 1 dog bite does not actually include being bitten!
Level 1: Aggressive behaviour with no skin contact (e.g., growling, snapping).
Level 2: Skin contact without punctures, such as a quick nip or scrape.
Level 3: One to four shallow punctures, typically from a single bite.
Level 4: One to four deep punctures from a single bite, indicating more severe aggression.
Level 5: Multiple bites with deep punctures, often from a sustained or repeated attack.
Level 6: Fatal dog attack resulting in death.
The scale is used to assess the seriousness of bites and guide appropriate interventions. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team is made up of experienced specialist personal injury lawyers, so if you are considering making a claim for a dog bite injury, contact us today to discuss your case.
Our Work In Dog Bite Claims
Case study 1
Dog Bite Injury Compensation Claim – £75,000 Settlement
Case Summary:
Our client, a mobile hairdresser, was providing a service to the Defendant, a customer, at their home and had taken her own dog with her. During the appointment, the Defendant’s dog attacked our client’s dog. In an attempt to separate the two dogs, our client was bitten by the Defendant’s dog. Unfortunately this resulted in the loss of the end of one of our client’s fingers.
Nature of the Injury:
Our client sustained a significant injury, losing the end of her middle finger on her right hand. This injury not only caused physical pain and long-term disfigurement but also had a severe impact on her professional capabilities as a mobile hairdresser.
Legal Outcome:
The case was settled for £75,000 without needing to go to court. This settlement took into consideration the physical injury, psychological trauma, and the impact on the Claimant’s livelihood as a hairdresser.
Key Takeaways:
- Dog owners have a legal duty to ensure their pets do not pose a risk to others, especially when bringing them into others’ homes or public spaces.
- For professionals whose work depends on physical capabilities, a significant injury relevant to their ability to work can lead to considerable financial and professional losses.
- The settlement amount reflects both the immediate physical injuries and the long-term impact on our client’s career, which was adversely affected by the loss of her finger.
This case highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership and the legal protections available for individuals injured due to the negligence of others.
Case study 2
Dog Bite Injury Compensation Claim – £46,000 Settlement
Case Summary:
Our client, a registered district nurse, visited the Defendant’s property to provide nursing services. After completing her duties, the Defendant opened a door to an office where a large dog was present. Without warning, the dog suddenly attacked, causing serious injuries, particularly to our client’s hands.
Nature of the Injury:
Our client sustained significant bite injuries to both hands including fractures which needed multiple surgeries and left her with reduced dexterity and grip strength.
We were able to secure counselling treatment for our client at the Defendant’s cost, as she had become fearful of dogs and was no longer able to work in the community as a district nurse.
Legal Outcome:
Liability was admitted by the Defendant’s insurer and the case was settled out of court for £46,000. This settlement compensated our client for her physical injuries, ongoing pain, scarring, psychological distress, and the impact on her ability to continue working in her previous home care role.