Hassle-free help from the UK's best Personal Injury solicitors.
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
It shouldn’t take a law degree to find the right legal service for you. With Lawhive, you can get legal help in just a couple of steps.
Answer a few questions on our site and instantly speak to a member of our team for a quote or request a callback at a time you choose.
We’re always open about our fees, so you’ll never pay more than you’re expecting.
Our lawyers are carefully selected for their expertise and experience, so you’re always in safe hands.
01 overview
One in four people have been bitten by a dog in their lifetime. Usually, these incidents aren't serious but, as we all know, dog bites can be serious with the potential for tragic outcomes.
If you or a child under your care has been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the bite or attack.
To find out more about how Lawhive can assist with a no win, no fee dog bite claim, speak to our Legal Assessment Specialists today.
Yes, you can claim compensation for a dog bite. Laws like the Animals Act 1971 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 cover these claims. Whether you can get compensation depends on what happened, how the dog behaved, and if the owner was careless.
A solicitor can help you understand if you have a case and guide you through the process. Contact us today to find out more.
If you're bitten by a dog while at work, your employer is responsible for keeping you safe and preventing such incidents. If they haven't taken the necessary precautions, you can likely make a claim.
Your employer should regularly assess risks, provide training on dog handling, ensure proper supervision, give you the right protective gear, and review workplace practices. If they fail to do so and you're bitten by a dog, they may be negligent and you may be able to make a claim.
If your child is bitten by a dog, you can make a claim for them as their parent or legal guardian.
You should report the incident to the authorities, gather information, and take photos of the injuries. Then, contact a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims. They'll guide you through the process of making your claim.
Yes, you can potentially claim for a dog bite that happens on private property. While the rules may vary from public spaces, the legal principles of negligence and duty of care still apply.
If the dog owner knew or should have known that their dog posed a risk of causing harm and failed to take appropriate steps to prevent an incident, they may be held liable, and you may have a claim.
Many homeowners have insurance that covers liability for injuries caused by their dogs. If you make a compensation claim, it's often the homeowner's insurance company that handles the claim and provides compensation.
If the use of the police dog was excessive or if there was negligence on the part of the handler or police force, you may have grounds for a claim. Negligence could involve inadequate training, failure to control the dog, or other breaches of duty of care.
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. If your rights under this legislation, such as the right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment, are violated during an incident involving a police dog, it may strengthen your claim.
UK law regarding dog bites and attacks is governed by two main pieces of legislation that provide protection and rights for individuals involved.
Under The Animals Act 1971, owners are usually responsible for damage caused by their animals, even if they weren't negligent or the animal wasn't aggressive before.
The Act also holds owners accountable if their animal injures trespassers, as long as the owner knows the animal could be dangerous.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was introduced to tackle concerns about dog attacks and aggressive behavior.
Under this Act, certain breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa are considered "dangerous," and there are restrictions on owning, breeding, or selling them. Control orders, like muzzling and leash requirements, can be imposed on dogs deemed a risk to public safety.
It's a criminal offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in public or in restricted areas, and for causing injury or fear of injury to a person.
Alongside criminal charges, the Act covers civil liability for dog owners if their dog injures someone while dangerously out of control. Victims can seek compensation. The Act also sets out rules for identifying prohibited breeds (like XL Bullys), microchipping, and record-keeping.
If you've been bitten by a dog you should:
Your health is your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Dog bites can lead to infections and complications, and a medical professional can assess the extent of the injury and provide necessary treatment.
Report the dog bite to the local authorities, such as the police or the dog warden. This helps create an official record of the incident, which may be useful if you decide to pursue legal action.
Also, get the contact information of the dog owner at the scene, if possible. If the incident occurred on private property, take down the property owner's information.
Document the scene and your injuries by taking photographs. This includes the location of the incident, any visible injuries, and the dog (if possible). If there were witnesses to the dog bite, ask for their contact information and statements.
Keep records of all the medical treatment you have received related to the dog bite. This includes visits to the hospital, consultations, prescriptions, and any follow-up care.
A personal injury solicitor will assess your case, provide you with legal advice, and let you know if you have a claim and what to do if you decide to seek compensation for your injuries.
First, If there's immediate danger or serious injury, call emergency services on 999.
If the incident has passed and there's no immediate danger, but you feel the animal poses a threat to public safety, report the incident to the police. Provide details about the incident, your injuries, and any information about the dog and its owner. You can contact your local police station or use the non-emergency number 101.
You can also report the incident to your local council's dog warden or animal control services. The dog warden handles issues related to dangerous dogs and can investigate the incident. Contact information for your local dog warden is available on your council's website or by calling the council's general number.
When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide the following information:
Reporting a dog bite or attack is important for public safety. Authorities need to be aware of aggressive dog incidents to take appropriate action and prevent future occurrences.
As for suing, the decision ultimately rests with you after getting advice from a solicitor. However, if someone else's negligence led to the attack, legal action can sometimes highlight the seriousness of the situation and prevent it from happening again.
If the dog bite caused serious injuries requiring medical treatment, surgery, or long-term care, pursuing legal action may be more justified. Severe injuries can result in significant medical expenses and affect your quality of life, making suing a way to address these challenges.
Additionally, there may be medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses to consider. If you're facing substantial economic losses due to the incident, seeking compensation may be worthwhile.
Compensation for injuries caused by a dog attack is typically paid by the dog owner or their insurance provider. Many homeowners have insurance policies that cover liability for injuries caused by their dogs, which is often included in standard homeowner's or renter's insurance.
When a dog injures a person or another animal, the owner may be responsible for covering the damages.
If the dog owner doesn't have insurance or refuses to cooperate, you may need to look at other legal options, such as filing a civil claim directly against the owner.
In such situations, it's advisable to seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims. They can assess your case and recommend the best course of action based on the circumstances of the dog attack.
Whether a dog that has bitten someone gets put down depends on the severity of the incident, the circumstances of the bite, and decisions made by authorities. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 outlines the legal framework for dealing with dangerous or aggressive dogs.
If a dog is deemed dangerously out of control and causes injury, a court may issue control orders, like muzzling or leash restrictions. In severe cases, the court may order the dog to be put down.
Authorities may also consider alternatives, like rehabilitation programs for the dog, depending on the circumstances and behavior.
Whether the owner of the dog that bit you will be prosecuted depends on various factors, including evidence of negligence or failure to prevent the incident. Negligence might involve allowing the dog to roam off the lead, not controlling it, or being aware of its aggressive tendencies.
The dog's history, including previous incidents of aggression or biting, could also impact the decision. If the dog has a known aggressive history, it may strengthen the prosecution case.
If you report the incident to the police, they will investigate to gather evidence and assess the case. The findings of this investigation will influence whether charges are brought against the owner.
Ultimately, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides whether to prosecute. They review the evidence provided by the police and determine if there's a reasonable chance of securing a conviction.
Dog bites and dog attacks can cause a range of different injuries, and the severity depends on the size and breed of the dog, the circumstances of the attack, and the victim's age and health.
Common injuries caused by dog bites and attacks are:
The amount of compensation you can claim for a dog bite varies and depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other related damages.
In many personal injury cases, legal costs are covered by the "loser pays" principle. This means that if your claim is successful, the dog owner's insurance company typically covers your legal expenses.
You can claim compensation to cover the pain, suffering, and losses caused by the dog attack. This covers the physical and emotional impact of your injuries.
You can also claim for special damages including:
It's important to gather the evidence you need to support your claim, including medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation
There is a time limit of 3 years from the date of the dog bite to file a compensation claim. Failing to do so within this time may affect your ability to claim.
If the claim involves a child under 18, the claim can be made anytime before their 18th birthday. Alternatively, they can claim between their 18th and 21st birthdays. After this, the three-year rule applies as mentioned above.
Most solicitors will take on a dog bit claim as a no win, no fee case.
This means that you won’t have to pay any upfront legal costs and if you were to lose, you wouldn’t have to pay anything. This takes away the financial worry and burden when you have other things to focus on, such as getting better both mentally and physically.
If you win, the losing party will in most cases pay your legal costs which is a win-win situation. You will have to pay a success fee to your solicitor if you win, but this is deducted from your compensation.
Dog bites can be very serious, not to mention traumatic. If you've suffered a dog bit, our network of personal injury lawyers can support you in making a dog bite claim.
Get in touch with us today to get a free case assessment to find out more.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
