Animal Injury

If an animal causes a person injury it may be possible to recover compensation from the animal’s owner. For a successful claim to be made it must be shown that the animal was known to have "dangerous" characteristics and that the owner failed to take adequate precautions to prevent the injury being caused. The most common claims are due to dog bites or attacks by other domestic animals but claims can also be brought against owners of horses or cattle.

A dog has attacked me. What should I do?

If a dog has attacked you then it is important that you report the attack to the police. This is important because:

• The police may bring proceedings against the owner of the dog for failing to keep the animal under control. If this occurs then the dog owners insurers are more likely to meet any compensation claim being made.
• The attack will then be recorded and will be used as evidence to show that the animal is dangerous should a further attack occur.

Whilst most dog bites are not fatal, many attacks do result in medical attention being required. The wound should be cleaned and the victim may require a tetanus shot, antibiotics and/or rabies vaccination. It is recommended that immediate medical attention be obtained where there are multiple or serious bites or bites to the head and neck in both adult and children.

What do I need to prove to recover compensation?

For a claim to succeed it is usually necessary to show a pattern of previous aggressive behaviour from the animal. If there have been no instances of aggressive behaviour or previous attacks then it would be difficult to prove that the dog owner was aware that the animal would be likely to be a danger to other people.

There does not have to be a history of previous aggressive behaviour if a certain breed of dog attacks people. Any dog that causes injury and is registered on the Index of Exempted breeds will give rise to a compensation claim without the need to show previous aggressive behaviour. Pit bull terriers and pit bull type dogs fall into this category and these animals must be insured by the owner at all times.

How can Ashton lake Solicitors help?

Animal injury claims can be complex and it is advised that you speak to a specialist solicitor. We are experts in bringing claims of this nature and will act for you whether you have been injured by a dog, horse, by livestock or by some other domestic animal. Our aim is to get to the truth of why the accident occurred and to obtain the maximum compensation possible. We pride ourselves in high levels of client care and will always progress your claim with sensitivity at every stage of the process.

If you wish to make an enquiry, then please complete the online enquiry form or call 01509 262621 to speak to a specialist solicitor. We offer a wide choice of funding arrangements including a no win no fee agreement in which you keep 100% of your compensation with no deductions of any kind.