Dog Attacks

A 2007 survey found that 31% of UK households owned at least one dog. They are mostly friendly, well-trained and a great pet to have. However, there are a growing number of reports of people attacked by dogs in recent years. According to NHS statistics, the number of people who were treated for injuries caused by a dog rose by over 40% in four years. An attack by a dog can cause serious injuries, including:

  • Lacerations and scarring
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Infections
  • Psychological trauma, e.g. phobia and post traumatic stress disorder


Dangerous Dog Act Legislation



In 1991 the Government introduced the Dangerous Dogs Act following a growing number of media reports about dog attacks. It requires owners of the following breeds of dogs to register their pets on the Index of Expempted Breeds: pit bull terriers, Japanese tosa, dogo argentino and fila braziliero. Owners of these dogs must also follow strict guidelines such as ensuring they are kept on a lead and wearing a muzzle when in public places, as well as getting the dog is chipped, tattooed and insured. A failure to follow these rules can result in prosecution. If a dog of this type caused your injury then compensation is likely to be awarded, even if the dog has shown no previous sign of aggression. This legislation not only applies to those breeds however, it applies to any dog that is known to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in public places. A dog can be considered ‘out of control’ if there is reason to believe that they are highly capable of attacking somebody.

Claiming Dog Bite Compensation



If you are attacked by a dog then you should first report it to the police. This is not only to ensure that there is a police record of your incident, but to make the authorities aware of a potentially dangerous dog in order to protect the public against it attacking somebody again. The law surrounding dog attacks is complicated but our solicitors at Lawson Taylor are experts in this type of compensation claim. It is easier to prove a dog bite claim if the dog is known to be dangerous and precautions were not taken to keep the public safe by its owner at the time of the incident. Following your attack you should try to record the dog owner’s details and find out whether they have home or pet insurance that covers the animal. Most people are unlikely to have the financial means to pay compensation, so it would be the insurance company that your claim would be made against. If they do not have insurance it may still be possible to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, however your lawyer will discuss that with you in more depth personally.

Dog attacks can not only cause physical and emotional damage but can affect someone financially as well. Our personal injury solicitors are committed to helping you receive what you deserve on a no win no fee basis. Contact Lawson Taylor today to discuss your options in starting a dog bite compensation claim.