Dog Bite Accident Solicitors

This depends on:

• the severity of the bite

• the level of pain and scarring

• psychological impact (e.g., anxiety, trauma, PTSD)

• time off work

• medical or cosmetic treatment required

Claims involving permanent scarring or long-term trauma typically settle for higher amounts. Your solicitor will assess your injuries fully before valuing your claim.

Compensation may cover:

• pain and suffering

• scarring and cosmetic damage

• psychological trauma

• loss of earnings

• medical treatment and rehabilitation

• future care needs

In most dog bite cases, compensation is paid by the dog owner’s pet insurance or home insurance policy, not the owner personally. If the dog owner has no insurance, a claim can still be made directly against them, provided they were responsible for the dog at the time of the attack. In some circumstances — for example, if the dog was dangerously out of control in a public place — the police or local authority may also be involved, but the civil claim for compensation is separate.

Your solicitor will investigate liability, identify the correct insurer, and handle all communication so you don’t have to deal with the owner yourself.

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the attack to make a claim. This is known as the limitation period.
There are a few exceptions:

• Children have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim.

• If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply.

• If the owner is unknown or hard to trace, your solicitor can still begin the claim while investigations continue.

It’s always best to get legal advice as soon as possible so evidence  such as medical reports, photographs and witness statements, can be collected early.

Yes. If your dog was injured because another owner failed to control their animal, you may be able to make a claim alongside your own personal injury case.

If another dog owner was responsible for the attack, their pet insurance, specifically their public liability cover, may pay your vet bills. If they don’t have insurance, a claim can still be brought directly against them.

Compensation for vet bills can cover:

• Immediate treatment

• Surgery

• Medication

• Follow-up appointments

• Rehabilitation or physiotherapy

• Long-term care for lasting injuries

We can help you recover these costs and ensure you’re not left out of pocket for an incident that wasn’t your fault.

Yes. Dog bite incidents should be reported as soon as possible, both for your safety and to strengthen your claim. You should:

• Report the attack to the police, especially if the dog was out of control or the owner’s details are unknown.

• Tell your GP or attend A&E so your injuries are properly recorded and treated. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection.

• If the attack involved a working dog (e.g., security dog), notify the organisation responsible.

Providing a clear record of the incident helps establish what happened and supports your solicitor in securing compensation.

We proudly offer our clients a Conditional Fee Agreement, commonly known as a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement, but we apply it with professional diligence to ensure the best outcome for all parties.

We offer this arrangement in the vast majority of personal injury cases. Each case is carefully assessed on its individual merits.

After reviewing the details of your claim, we’ll determine the likelihood of success. If we believe your case has a strong chance of winning, we’ll proceed on a No Win No Fee basis, giving you peace of mind as to protection from financial risk.

If a claim does not meet our threshold for success, we will advise you honestly, ensuring you only pursue cases with a realistic chance of compensation.