Animal Injury Claims
If you have suffered an injury after coming into contact with an animal - be it a dog bite, a fall from a horse, an encounter with a farm animal, or any other incident involving an animal, you could be entitled to claim compensation. We handle various animal attack claims and can help you pursue animal attack compensation for your injuries.
At JMW, we are highly experienced in dealing with cases of this nature and our animal injury claim solicitors can provide the support you need to get the outcome you are after. Our team includes specialist animal injury lawyers who are experienced in handling these types of claims.
To speak to a member of the team about your dog bite or animal injury claim, simply call us on 0345 872 6666 or, alternatively, complete our enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Our team of expert solicitors is here to help and we will guide you throughout the process, from beginning to end, to help you claim the compensation you deserve.
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How JMW Can Help
We appreciate that there is a likelihood that the person responsible for the animal that committed the attack may be known to the injured party, particularly if the incident involves a domestic animal, such as a dog. These matters need to be treated sensitively, with the welfare of the injured party made a matter of priority.
When you make an animal injury claim with us, you can be assured that your claim will be safe with skilled professionals, and handled with the utmost respect and care by our experienced team.
Our specialist solicitors are professional and proactive in their approach and will always put your best interests first in order to help you get the outcome you deserve. We can provide you with the information you need to decide whether or not you’d like to make a claim. Our solicitors pride themselves on our high levels of client care and provide our clients with straightforward, easy-to-follow advice.
JMW has particular expertise when it comes to dealing with attacks from cows and cattle. These large farm animals can be dangerous and cause serious injury if unsupervised in situations where they could come into contact with members of the public, such as being moved from field to field. In the worst instances, attacks can cause fatal injury.
The team also has many years of experience when it comes to handling dog bite injuries, whether this is from someone else’s pet or a working dog, such as a police dog. We understand the circumstances that may surround such incidents and are equipped to deal with them on your behalf, so that you can be assured that you claim an appropriate amount of compensation. Dangerous animals can pose significant risks in various environments, including homes, workplaces and public spaces.
Meet Our Team of Personal Injury Solicitors
Our specialist team at JMW is here to help you make an animal attack claim, providing expert guidance and support to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Types of Animal Attacks
Animal attacks are not uncommon and can take various forms. An animal may be more prone to attack if it is anxious or frightened, and this can happen anywhere - from an incident with someone else’s pet in a domestic setting, to an attack on farmland or surrounding public highways and property. Incidents involving animals can also occur during activities on holiday, such as swimming with sharks. The unpredictability of animals means that unsuspecting individuals may be prone to attacks in a variety of locations, such as petting zoos, farms, pet shops and animal sanctuaries.
The most frequent sorts of accidents we have encountered are:
- Dog-related accidents: these have included dog bites and maulings, which are often caused by over-aggressive or untrained dogs, or dogs involved in specialised work
- Horse-related accidents: these have included riders falling off horses and bystanders being injured by spooked horses
- Incidents involving cows, bulls and cattle: these have included members of the public being attacked by an unsupervised herd of cattle
- Accidents involving exotic animals: these have included animals attacking in ‘encounter’ areas at safari and wildlife parks
Claims can also be made in relation to many other forms of animal attacks, including:
- Exotic small pet bites and stings, such as parrots and spiders
- Snake bites and constriction
- Wild animal attacks, such as bites and maulings
- Camel bites
- Bull gore injuries
Injuries can range in severity, but more serious incidents can have very damaging long-term consequences. If you or someone you know has been hurt by an animal that was running free or no visible warning notices about the animal were provided, or if the animal wasn’t being controlled or access to them was not supervised, you can make an animal injury claim. Because of the variables involved, it’s important to speak to an experienced solicitor to understand the viability of your claim and how much compensation you should expect to claim. The severity of injuries sustained in these incidents underscores the importance of seeking legal advice to ensure proper compensation.
Dog Bite Claims
Dog bite claims are the most common type of animal injury claim in the UK. According to the Animals Act 1971, dog owners are responsible for their animal’s behaviour and the consequences if they don’t keep their dogs under control. If you suffer personal injury in a dog bite attack, you may claim compensation against the owner.
Many owners have pet insurance or household insurance that covers dog bite claims. If no insurance policy covers a dog bite attack claim, a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority may be possible. This authority provides compensation for victims of violent crimes, including serious injuries caused by dog attacks, ensuring that victims receive the support they need even when the dog owner lacks insurance.
Other Types of Animal Attacks
Other types of animal attacks, such as those involving horses, cows or wild animals, can also result in serious injuries. In these cases, the liability may lie with the animal owner, employer or government compensation scheme.
For instance, horse-related accidents might involve riders falling off or being kicked, while encounters with cows or bulls can lead to trampling or goring injuries. Wild animal attacks, though less common, can occur in settings like safari parks or during outdoor activities. JMW’s solicitors can help individuals claim compensation for animal injuries caused by negligence, ensuring that victims receive the necessary support and financial relief to recover from their injuries.
Liability for Animal Injuries
Liability for animal injuries can be complex and depends on the circumstances of the incident. In general, the animal owner or employer is usually liable for injuries caused by their animals. For example, if a dog bites someone, the dog owner is typically responsible for the injury caused. However, if there is no owner or employer, there is no party to claim from, and the case cannot be pursued.
Examples of cases where there is no liable party include injuries caused by wild animals or road accidents involving wild animals. Understanding who is liable is crucial in determining the viability of an animal injury claim and ensuring that victims receive appropriate compensation.
The Claims Process
The claims process for animal injury claims typically involves the following steps:
- Seeking medical attention: If you have been injured by an animal, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and provide necessary documentation for your claim.
- Reporting the incident: Report the incident to the police or local authorities, especially if the animal is considered dangerous. This helps create an official record of the event, which can be crucial for your claim.
- Gathering evidence: Collect evidence, such as witness statements, photographs and medical records, to support your claim. Detailed documentation can strengthen your case and help establish liability.
- Consulting a solicitor: Consult a specialist animal injury lawyer to discuss your options and determine the best course of action. Experienced solicitors can provide valuable guidance and ensure your claim is handled effectively.
- Making a claim: Your solicitor will help you make a claim for compensation, which may involve negotiating with the animal owner’s insurance company or pursuing a claim through the courts. They will work to secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
It’s essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an animal injury to ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. Early consultation with a specialist solicitor can significantly impact the success of your claim and help you navigate the complexities of the legal process.
Working with Animals
There are many industries in which working with animals is a standard part of the job. Farmers and zoo workers, for example, work with untrained animals on a daily basis. Many other workers handle animals trained for work, such as police dogs and horses. Accidents can still happen, and should you be injured in these circumstances as the result of another person’s negligence, you are entitled to make an animal injury claim. This includes situations such as a lack of appropriate training, supervision or support when you are handling the animal(s) you’re working with.
Employers have a responsibility to ensure workplace safety, especially when it comes to preventing injuries caused by dangerous dogs. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, owners can be held liable for injuries inflicted by their pets, and this extends to employers who must ensure their employees are protected from such risks.
If you are injured during the course of your work, making a claim for compensation can ensure you are able to meet additional expenses, such as any time off work needed as a result of your injury, or any medical treatment that may be required.
FAQs About Animal Attacks
- What should I do if I'm attacked by a dog or another animal?
If you, or a member of your family, are bitten by a dog or injured in another way by an animal, you should seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries sustained. Dogs and other animals can carry many parasites, viruses and infections, so it is important that any wound is properly checked by a medical professional.
It can also help to report attacks to the police to prevent an attack from happening to somebody else. Reporting attacks allows a full investigation to take place to determine the precise circumstances of the attack. If you do report the attack to the police, you should obtain a crime reference number and pass it on to your solicitor. This will allow your solicitor to obtain a police report on the incident.
- Can I claim compensation for a dog bite?
If you are bitten by a dog, the owner is liable for the injuries or damage caused, meaning you will be entitled to make a claim. We will help you to proceed with your claim and obtain evidence, as well as statements from yourself or any other witnesses to prove the dog owner was negligent.
- How much compensation will I get for a dog bite?
There is not a definite answer to the amount of compensation you will receive for a dog bite, as each case is different. Compensation amounts are decided on two factors: the extent of your injuries and their impact. For instance, if a dog bite means you cannot work, then you can claim for lost and future earnings. You can also claim for any expenses incurred as a result of your injury, such as travel to medical appointments or the cost of medication.
Our solicitors will ensure your dog bite claim is valued individually based on your own circumstances.
- What evidence do I need to provide following a dog bite or animal attack?
While our solicitors will take care of the majority of the evidence gathering, there are a number of steps you can take immediately after an attack:
- Take photos of any injuries: including additional photos over the preceding days, weeks and months to show the progression of your recovery
- Keep any clothing you were wearing on the day: this should be unwashed and will be used as important evidence, particularly if it has been damaged
- Write a witness statement: including what happened immediately before and after the incident so that important details are not forgotten
- Keep any receipts: this should include any expenses incurred as a result of your injuries, such as travel to medical appointments and the cost of medication
- Collect the details of any witnesses: make sure to get the name and contact details of any witnesses to the incident so we can obtain statements from them
- Obtain the details of the dog owner: if it’s possible to get these details and the breed of the dog, they can help with our investigation
Talk to Us
If you would like to discuss making a claim for an injury caused by an animal, get in touch with our solicitors now on 0345 872 6666. You can also complete our online enquiry form and we will call you back as soon as we can to discuss your situation in more detail and answer any questions you may have.
