Claiming Compensation for a Dog Bite

Dog attacks and dog bites in the UK have risen dramatically over the last 10 years

due to increasing demand for large, potentially dangerous dogs, and the inadequacy of current legislation in controlling the spread and behaviour of such animals. The issue is especially controversial due to the high percentage of dog attacks which involve children. Injuries sustained in dog attacks can also be particularly severe, often involving permanent facial scarring and long-term emotional trauma. The increasing number of 'pit bull' style dogs on Britain's streets is partly due to owners who regard them either as status symbol or as a means of protection. Urban gangs especially have taken to using dangerous dogs as weapons of intimidation. Often such dogs will be locked up, starved and generally neglected to increase their natural aggression. In recent years dogs have been used in gang fights and in attacks on the police. At the Notting Hill Carnival in 2008, 21 'pit bull style' dogs were seized by police and later put down. Dogs are also commonly used in underground blood sports, such as badger baiting, and gypsy communities often specialise in breeding dogs for such activities.

The major contributory factor in rising dog attack incidents is the weakness of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in curbing dangerous breeds.

The act outlaws four distinct breeds of dog, and also prohibits 'pit bull style' types. This loose definition depends on a specialist police judgment as to a dog's physical appearance, and can easily be subverted by cross-breeding. Furthermore many dangerous dog breeds, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, are not covered by the act at all. If a person is bitten or attacked by a dog that is not covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act, they must prove that the dog had a history of aggressive behaviour to obtain compensation. Historical evidence of this kind is often very difficult to gather. The act also causes confusion by stating that it is illegal to breed from, sell, abandon or give away a banned dog, but it is not illegal to own one.

Dangerous dogs pose a threat to anyone who comes into contact with them, especially when they are not on a leash or muzzled. Postal workers, builders and utility service providers are just some of the professions which involve visits to people's homes and potential exposure to dog attacks. Dogs are fiercely protective of what they perceive to be their territory and will be correspondingly aggressive towards intruders. A claim for compensation following a dog attack will examine whether the owner failed to adequately supervise and control their dog, as well as any previous incidents involving the animal. Dogs are often covered by an owner's home insurance policy which will pay compensation for injuries in the event of a successful claim. Otherwise an injured person may seek compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Scheme (CICA).

Accidents and injuries from dog attacks and dog bites are increasingly common in the UK. Our solicitors have extensive experience with dog bite compensation claims on behalf of injured clients. We operate on a no win no fee basis meaning if you win your case you keep all of the damages awarded, and if you lose you will not pay a penny. You can find out more about dog attacks and dog bite injuries on our specialist dog bite web-page (http://www.workrelatedinjury.co.uk/dog-bite-claim.html).

Claiming Compensation for a Dog Bite

By: B.Solicitors

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