A dog attack can be traumatic — both physically and emotionally. If you’ve been bitten or injured by a dog, through no fault of your own, you may have the right to claim compensation.
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If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. These incidents often happen when a dog is not properly controlled or is allowed into a space where it poses a danger to others.
Dog bite injuries can range from cuts and puncture wounds to serious lacerations, nerve damage, or long-term scarring. In some cases, surgery or ongoing rehabilitation may be needed. But it’s not just the physical pain — a dog attack can also cause significant emotional trauma, especially for children.
A dog bite claim helps hold the responsible party accountable and provides the financial support needed to recover. Compensation can help cover medical costs, lost income, and the emotional distress caused by the attack, helping you move forward with dignity and security.
There are time limits for making a claim. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident. If the person injured was under 18 at the time, they have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. Acting early helps protect evidence and gives you the strongest chance of success.
Dog bite incidents can happen in a variety of everyday settings, often when least expected. Here are some of the most common scenarios we see:
Parks, pavements, and other public areas are common places for dog attacks, especially when a dog isn’t on a lead or is allowed to roam freely without supervision.
A dog bite can happen on private land too — whether that’s visiting someone’s home or working on their property. Owners must take reasonable steps to prevent harm to visitors, including tradespeople or delivery workers.
Certain breeds are restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, but any dog can become dangerous if mistreated or not properly trained. Owners are legally responsible for managing their dogs’ behaviour and failure to do so can result in serious injuries.
Dog owners have a legal duty to control their animals. If they fail in this duty — whether through negligence, poor training, or ignoring the law — and you’re harmed as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
Making a claim isn’t just about financial compensation, it’s about getting your life back on track. Here’s how a successful claim can support you:
If your injury prevents you from working, a claim can help replace lost income while you recover or seek further treatment.
Compensation can help cover vital medical costs, including corrective surgery, specialist consultations, and long-term treatment or care.
A cosmetic surgery claim can provide compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by negligence or poor results.
Compensation may cover essential rehabilitation, such as psychological therapy or counselling, to aid your recovery.
In more serious cases, you may receive general damages for permanent scarring, ongoing trauma, or changes to your quality of life.
To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, follow these steps:
Your health should be your priority. Make sure to get medical treatment and keep a detailed record of your injuries and treatment.
Collect evidence to support your claim, such as photographs of your injuries, medical reports, witness statements, and any police reports.
Contact a solicitor who specialises in dog bite claims. CEL Solicitors offer a free consultation to assess your case, and we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.
During your initial consultation, your solicitor will assess the strength of your claim, explain your rights, and outline the compensation you may be entitled to.
Your solicitor will help you file the necessary legal documents to start your claim, detailing the incident and your injuries.
Many claims are settled out of court. Your solicitor will negotiate with the other party’s insurer to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
If a settlement cannot be reached, we may take your case to court. We will instruct a barrister to represent you and present your case.
Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.
Dog bite incidents are becoming increasingly common across England and Wales. In 2024, there were over 32,500 recorded dog attacks, marking a rise compared to previous years. This increase highlights the importance of understanding your rights if you’ve been injured. Many victims pursue compensation claims to cover medical costs, lost earnings, and emotional distress. At CEL Solicitors, we’re here to help you navigate the claims process and get the support you deserve.
Yes. Many people experience long-lasting psychological effects after a dog attack — including fear, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress. A dog bite claim can cover both physical injuries and the emotional impact, especially if your quality of life has been affected.
Yes. If you were attacked during a criminal incident — for example, if the dog was used to intimidate or harm you — you may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). We can help guide you through this process.
There are time limits for making a claim. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident. If the person injured was under 18 at the time, they have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. Acting early helps protect evidence and gives you the strongest chance of success.
The amount of compensation depends on how serious your injuries are and how the incident has affected your life. Claims can cover:
Every case is different, so we’ll take the time to understand your situation and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether the attack happened in a park, on the street, or even on private land, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for keeping their pet under control. If their failure to do so caused you harm, you could be entitled to compensation.
We have extensive experience handling personal injury claims.
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Every claim is different, so we tailor our service to your needs.
We are committed to getting the best outcome for our clients.
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, don't wait. Contact CEL Solicitors to explore your personal injury options.
