Making a Dog Attack Compensation Claim

By Ayesha Salim

One of the most unpleasant experiences anyone can go through is being attacked by a dog. It is not only terrifying, but can lead to both physical and psychological effects. Unfortunately dog attacks are quite common in the UK. Many of them involve the usual suspects such as Pit Bull Terriers, and Rottweilers. However, it is not always the most obvious breed of dogs that attack. Many other types of dogs can also pose a threat to bystanders and there have been many incidents that have been reported concerning these attacks.

Generally, a dog attack compensation claim is more likely to succeed if the dog was known to have shown aggressive tendencies in the past. If there is evidence to demonstrate that the dog had bitten, or attacked an individual in a previous incident, then the owner is likely to be liable to pay compensation for the dog attack. It is the owner's duty to restrain and control the dog, if the owner is aware of the dog's aggressive tendencies, and it's potential to harm others.

Young children are especially at risk from a dog attack, as they are one of the most vulnerable members of society. Their easy playful nature make them easy targets to eager dogs. This is why it is necessary that you supervise your child at all times around a dog, as their unpredictable nature can lead them to harms way. This is even if the dog is usually harmless, as there are always first time bites.

According to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 certain breeds of dogs are required to be muzzled when in public places and micro-chipped. If you suffered an attack by a breed of dog covered by this act that was not muzzled, your claim is likely to succeed. This is even if the dog had not shown previous signs of aggressive behaviour.

How to avoid being attacked by a dog

You may be standing near a dog which is about to attack you. You can feel its eyes peering at you, waiting for the right moment to pounce. Fear not as there are some things you can do to stop this from happening. Like do nothing. If you keep as still as possible, there is a chance you will make the dog bored and it will eventually go away. Don't try to run as this could result in a high-speed chase, one which will lead to only one party being the winner, that party not being you.

What to do if you have been bitten

Your fear may have gotten the best of you and made you run. However, you could not outrun the dog and you ended up being attacked. Or you may have been bitten some other way. Whatever the situation, you should strongly consider reporting the incident to the police or local authority, if only to prevent something like this happening to another innocent bystander. It is important that you seek medical attention straight away, even if the injury appears to be minor. Even a minor injury can become badly infected.

If you have been a victim to a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation. Our solicitors will assess your case and talk you through the process of making a claim. - 31397

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