There are believed to be approximately eight million dogs in the UK. The vast majority of dogs are well-trained and pose no threat. Sadly, there are an increasing number of people suffering injury through no fault of their own as a result of an unprovoked dog attack - often due to negligence by the dog's owner.

This type of dog attack can be one of the most traumatic things you can experience, and leave you with lasting psychological and physical injuries. A dog bite injury can also be very serious, and leave you on a long road to recovery - or, in some cases, result in permanent disabilities or conditions.

For this reason, people who are bitten by a dog are usually entitled to claim compensation for the injuries sustained as a result. Compensation for a dog bite can support your recovery, enable you to receive the best possible treatment, allow you to focus on your recovery and account for the pain and suffering you experienced.

The team at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors has a wealth of expertise in dog bite claims, and we are here to help you start the process. We approach every dog bite claim with compassion and understanding. It costs nothing to speak with our dog bite solicitors about your accident and find out whether you are eligible to make a claim.

It costs nothing to speak with our dog bite solicitors about your accident. To arrange a free consultation, call our office in Manchester on 0161 820 6968 or send us an email. We represent clients throughout Greater Manchester and the North West, and deliver the dog bite compensation our clients deserve.

What are the most common dog attack injuries?

There are many types of incidents that can entitle the injured person to dog bite compensation. For example, common dog bite injuries include:

• Facial lacerations, cuts and bruises
• Bone fractures and sprains
• Puncture to the skin leading to bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Infections - such as rabies
• Permanent scarring
• Psychological damage - shock and trauma leading to phobias

These are just some of the injuries suffered by individuals throughout England. If you have been hurt, you can rely on our solicitors at Graham Coffey & Co. to obtain the compensation you deserve after a dog bite injury.

Dangerous activities by dog owners

Whilst the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 restricts the ownership of various breeds of dog such as the Pit Bull Terrier, any dog can cause personal injury if it is poorly trained or not properly controlled in public. Negligent acts on the part of dog owners include:

• Leaving dogs unsupervised in public areas, recreation areas, playgrounds and outside shops
• Failing to warn visitors to the property of the presence of a dog
• Failing to restrain the dog whilst out walking

These are the main reasons why Graham Coffey & Co. specialist dog bite solicitors have successfully recovered personal injury compensation for clients.

If a dog owner's negligence led you to sustain physical and psychological injuries, our team can help. Get in touch to learn more about the dog bite compensation claim process and find out how much compensation you could be owed. In a free initial consultation, we will listen to your situation and help you make a successful claim for a dog bite injury if you are entitled to do so.

Dog bite case studies

Mr. I was walking down a Manchester street when a police dog attacked him, knocking him to the floor. Mr. I suffered facial lacerations and shock from the ferocity of the unprovoked attack. Graham Coffey & Co specialist dog bite solicitors successfully recovered over £15,000 for him in compensation.

FAQs about dog bite compensation

What is the process of making a dog bite compensation claim?

While every claim is different, the process of a dog bite injury claim typically follows a structured procedure. The details will depend on the specifics of your injury and the circumstances of the dog bite, but the process will generally consist of the following steps:

1. Speak to our personal injury solicitors. Many lawyers specialise in personal injury claims, and in dog bite compensation claims specifically. Your solicitor will provide legal advice and assess the viability of your claim. If you are entitled to compensation, they can start the process on your behalf and provide the services you need throughout the process.
2. Gather evidence related to the incident. This may include photographs of the scene and your injuries, witness statements, and any relevant documents. Your solicitor will gather more details about the incident to establish liability, and can also help to build a base of evidence. They may review medical records, contact witnesses, and obtain expert opinions, if necessary.
3. You may be required to undergo a medical examination by an independent expert to assess the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life. The expert will provide a medical report which is critical for valuing the claim.
4. Your solicitor will notify the defendant (the party you are claiming against) of your intention to make a claim. This is usually done through a formal “letter of claim,” which details the nature of the claim, the injuries you sustained and the compensation you are seeking.
5. The defendant or their insurer has a set period in which to investigate the claim and respond, which is usually three months. They can either accept liability, reject it, or request further information. Many dog bite claims are settled outside of court, with the defendant admitting their liability immediately, and discussions proceed to compensation at this point.
6. If the defendant accepts liability, the next step is to negotiate a settlement. Your solicitor will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair compensation amount based on your injuries, financial losses, and other relevant factors.
7. If a settlement cannot be reached, your solicitor will advise you to issue court proceedings. This means formally starting the legal process to have the case heard in court. While many cases are settled before reaching this stage, the team at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors has a wealth of experience in taking dog bite claims to court, and will stand by your side at every step.
8. When the case goes to court, both parties will present their evidence and arguments. Your solicitor will represent you, and use the case they have built from the evidence you gathered to make the case for your dog bite compensation. The court will make a decision regarding liability and the amount of compensation to be awarded.
9. If your claim is successful, you will receive the compensation agreed upon or awarded by the court. The amount will cover your injuries, medical expenses, lost earnings, and other related costs. Throughout this process, your solicitor will guide you, handle communications, and ensure that all necessary legal procedures are followed. A personal injury claim can be complex, so having professional legal support is essential for navigating the process effectively.

To make a dog bite claim, your first step should be to speak to our expert personal injury solicitors. In just one free phone call, Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors can talk about the incident in which you were bitten by a dog and tell you whether or not you are eligible to claim. From there, we can estimate how much compensation you are owed and get the process started.

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?

Dog attacks can result in serious injuries, and the first thing you should do after a dog bite injury is to seek medical attention. Ensure that you receive appropriate medical treatment even if you think your injury is minor, as this can not only protect your health but also create evidence related to the injury. For example, medical records are often used during the process of making compensation claims.

If you are able, take photographs of the injury, the dog and the dog owner involved in the incident. Try to take down their contact details, as this can help you to make a dog bite claim later. If you are unable to gather the dog owner's details, you may still be eligible to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

It may be worthwhile to report the incident to the police or another relevant authority, especially if you believe the dog could be dangerous or is an illegal breed.

Retain all evidence of any financial losses related to the incident - for example, the costs of medical treatment or transport to and from GP appointments - as these can be added into the calculation of your compensation. Then, get in touch with the team at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors.

How much compensation do dog bite claims give?

Every dog bite claim is different, and there is no set amount of compensation you can receive. Instead, every compensation amount is calculated based on specifics like the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and any associated costs or losses. Here are some of the details that determine how much compensation a dog bite injury claim can deliver:

• Severity of the injury
  • For minor bites or scratches that heal quickly without significant scarring, compensation may range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds.
  • For more serious bites that result in significant scarring, tissue damage, or require medical treatment, compensation can range from £2,000 to £12,000.
  • For severe injuries causing long-term or permanent damage, extensive scarring, or significant psychological impact, compensation can range from £12,000 to £30,000 or more.
• Psychological impact
  • If the bite has caused psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, additional compensation may be awarded to cover the emotional and psychological impact. This includes the overall impact on your quality of life, including any loss of enjoyment of hobbies, activities, or other aspects of your daily life caused by the injury.
• Medical expenses
  • Compensation can include the cost of medical treatment, including hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing medical care required for recovery.
• Loss of earnings
  • If the injury has caused you to miss work or has impacted your ability to work in the future, you can claim for lost earnings and future loss of earnings.
• Care and assistance
  • If you require care or assistance during your recovery, either from a professional or a family member, compensation can cover these costs.
• Travel expenses
  • Any travel expenses incurred for medical treatment or related appointments can also be included in the compensation.

Our solicitors can discuss the specifics of your case and let you know how much compensation we believe you are entitled to claim.

Dog Bite Case Studies

Mr. I was walking down a Manchester street when a police dog attacked him, knocking him to the floor. Mr. I suffered facial lacerations and shock from the ferocity of the unprovoked attack. Graham Coffey & Co specialist dog bite solicitors successfully recovered over £15,000 for him in compensation.

Get in touch with us today

Start your dog bite compensation claim today with the expert personal injury team at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors. If you believe you are eligible to claim compensation, seek legal advice as soon as possible to start the process and secure what you are owed. In just one phone call, we can let you know whether you are eligible to make a no win, no fee dog bite claim and get the process started.

Get in touch with us today to arrange a free consultation by calling us on 0161 820 6968 or by filling out our online enquiry form.