At Hamilton Douglas Claims, we have employed a team of lawyers and solicitors who specialize in claims that involve dog bites. Unlike personal injury or workplace accident claims, which are mostly straightforward, dog bite claims are notoriously challenging. Matters of law are usually very difficult to understand, and it’s natural for common people to get lost in these matters. This is why we have dedicated the best team of lawyers to assist you with your claim. 

Our team of professional no win no fee solicitors in Scotland have been dealing with all types of claims, including dog bite issues, and our team is accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. This certification is proof of our experience in matters of personal injury, which is why we are frequently successful in obtaining compensation money for our clients.  

 

Introduction To Dog Bite Claims

When you’ve been attacked by a dog owned by someone else, you reserve the right to claim against the owner of the dog to compensate for your damages. This is when you submit a claim with the insurance company of the dog owner. 

There are roughly 6.2 million dogs in the UK serving multiple uses. Some are working dogs, which are mostly used by the police or investigation agencies, while most are loving family pets. The unfortunate part is that not every dog in the UK is properly trained by their owners, which is why they have the tendency to attack people passing by, and subsequently, causing severe injuries. The number of dog attacks is rising significantly. 

A study done in 2009 showed that almost 6000 people were admitted to hospitals as a result of dog bites, and the NHS had to pay a staggering £3.3million for this. The year 2013 saw more than 200,000 people getting admitted to hospitals due to similar instances. While the instant medical aid may help the person come out of the excruciating pain, but most often victims of dog attacks are left with severe physical, as well as psychological, scars. 

 

Medical Help After An Attack

If you, or someone you know, has unfortunately suffered a dog bite, you should seek medical help at your earliest. This is because dogs have parasites and harmful germs in their saliva, along with viruses and infections that can lead to numerous diseases. It’s imperative that the wound is checked by a professional and treated as soon as possible. Tetanus injection and other medication will be important in such cases to avoid any severe illness or infection. 

Call 999 and request an ambulance immediately, if you or any of your family members have been attacked by a dog. Dog attacks can be very serious. The year 2005, alone, saw 17 people die from dog attacks. 

 

Laws For Dog Bites

The Animals Act 1971 mentions the law regarding dog bite claims. The owner will be held liable if their dog attacked someone and is categorized as dangerous. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 has highlighted which dogs are classified as dangerous. These include:

  • Pit Bull Terriers
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Fila Brasileiro 
  • Dogo Argentine 
  • Or any dog that is trained to fight 

However, if the dog that has attacked you, or someone you know, isn’t classed as dangerous, we will still go on with your claim process. The process would include collecting evidence from an expert veterinarian, your statement, and if there are witnesses, they can greatly help in proving the dog owner as negligent. 

 

Collecting Evidence After An Attack

Any reputable law firm will carry out all the investigation for your case. However, there are several things that can be done by you to help your solicitor in making the case strong. These include:

  • Keep the clothes you were wearing that day safe. Do not wash these clothes. If the dog bite caused damage to your clothing, this will be strong evidence to benefit your case.
  • Write all the exact events of what happened right before and after the accident. Know that it’s vital for the solicitor to get the witness statement as early as possible after a dog attack, so the significant details aren’t missed. People are likely to forget things after some time has passed, therefore it’s better to note them down. 
  • Take a lot of photos of the injuries right after the attack. Make sure you also take additional photographs after some time that shows how your wounds are progressing.
  • Keep all the receipts of any expenses you incurred during this time safe. These expenses include traveling to the hospital, and the money you’ve paid for medical consultations and medicines. 
  • Acquire a copy of the medical report.
  • Get in touch with any witnesses, if they were there. Note their name and number to help your solicitor obtain witness statements. 
  • Try to get the details of the dog owner, along with the information about the breed of the dog. 

 

If you have suffered from a dog bite, submit a claim as soon as possible. Reach out to Hamilton Douglas Legal to schedule a consultation session.