Animal Injuries

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Dog Bites and Other 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 cow or other farm animal, an attack at a safari park or zoo, or any other incident involving an animal, you could be entitled to claim compensation.

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.

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.

How JMW Can Help

We appreciate that there is a likelihood that the person responsible for the animal that has 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 dealt 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. Sadly, 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 a number of years' 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.

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. An attack from an animal may even happen during an activity on holiday, such as swimming with sharks. 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 other farm animals - These have included sheep stampeding
  • 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 have 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.

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.

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

Q
What should I do if I’m attacked by a dog or another animal?
A

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. 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.

Q
Can I claim compensation for a dog bite?
A

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, your statement and that of any other witnesses to prove the dog owner was negligent.

Q
How much compensation will I get for a dog bite?
A

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.

Q
What evidence do I need to provide following a dog bite or animal attack?
A

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 or 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.

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