WHAT IS A DOG BITE CLAIM?
When a dog hurts you, the law usually holds its owner responsible — and so can you.
A dog bite claim is a personal injury compensation claim made against the keeper of a dog that has bitten, scratched or knocked you down. Under the Animals Act 1971, the keeper can be held strictly liable for the harm a dog causes — which often means you don't have to prove they were careless, only that the dog injured you and they were responsible for it. Many owners also have home or pet insurance that covers exactly this kind of incident, so the money frequently comes from an insurer rather than out of someone's pocket.
Whether it's a deep puncture wound, lasting scarring, nerve damage, infection or the very real fear that follows an attack, you deserve to be put back on your feet. You can estimate your claim with our compensation calculator in a couple of minutes, and dog bite cases sit within our wider specialist injury claims work, so you're in experienced hands from the first call.
What you can claim for
Medical treatment
Stitches, antibiotics, plastic surgery, scar revision and any ongoing care your injuries need, including private treatment where it speeds recovery.
Pain, scarring and suffering
Compensation for the bite itself, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and the physical pain you've been through.
Psychological trauma
Anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares or a new fear of dogs — these are recognised injuries, especially in children, and can be claimed for.
Lost earnings
Wages or self-employed income you've lost while off work, plus any future loss if the injury affects your ability to do your job.
Travel and care costs
Mileage to appointments, prescription charges, and the value of family who helped wash, dress or look after you while you healed.
Future losses
The cost of further surgery, counselling or treatment you'll still need down the line, valued with help from medical experts.
You may have a claim if…
You were bitten, scratched or knocked over by a dog in the last three years (longer for children).
The dog belonged to or was under someone else's control at the time.
You needed medical attention or the incident left a lasting physical or emotional mark.
The attack happened in England or Wales — at home, in the street, a park, or at work.
How your claim works
01
Free consultation
Tell us what happened in a quick, no-pressure call. We'll explain your options and whether you can claim — completely free.
02
We build your case
We gather your medical records, photos of your injuries, witness details and any police or dog warden reports to prove what happened.
03
We pursue the owner's insurer
We handle all the negotiation and paperwork, pressing for the full compensation you're owed while you focus on getting better.
04
You're compensated
Once your claim settles, your compensation is paid to you — and with No Win No Fee, you only pay a fee if we win.
Dog bite claim FAQs
Is a dog bite claim really No Win No Fee?+
Yes. We run dog bite claims on a No Win No Fee basis, so there's nothing to pay upfront and no fee at all if your claim doesn't succeed. If we win, a success fee (capped at 25% of your compensation for personal injury claims) is deducted from your award — we'll explain every figure clearly before you sign anything.
How long do I have to make a dog bite claim?+
In most cases you have three years from the date of the attack to start a claim. The clock works differently for children — a parent can claim on their behalf at any time before the child turns 18, and the child then has until their 21st birthday to bring their own claim. It's still best to come to us early while evidence is fresh.
Do I have to sue the dog's owner personally?+
Usually not directly. Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner's home, pet or public liability insurance, so the compensation comes from an insurer rather than the individual's own savings. We deal with the insurer for you, which often keeps things far less awkward than people expect.
Should I report the dog bite to the police or dog warden?+
Yes, where you can. Reporting to the police or your local council's dog warden creates an official record, which strengthens your claim and may matter under the
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 if the dog was dangerously out of control. Always seek medical help too, as bites can become infected quickly.
Can I claim if my child was bitten by a dog?+
Absolutely. A parent or guardian can bring a claim on a child's behalf as their 'litigation friend'. Children's injuries — particularly facial scarring and the lasting fear of dogs — are taken very seriously, and any compensation is usually held safely by the court until they turn 18.
What if the dog was a stray or the owner is unknown?+
You may still have options. Where an owner can't be traced, certain claims can be pursued through other routes, and an attack that amounts to a crime may qualify for an award through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Give us a ring and we'll talk you through what's realistic in your situation.
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