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Home » How to Sue for Dog Bite Compensation in the UK

How to Sue for Dog Bite Compensation in the UK

Dog ownership in the UK has grown rapidly over the last few years. While most dogs are friendly and loving, there are times when things go wrong. A sudden bite or attack can leave you in pain, shocked, and unsure what to do next. If you’ve been bitten or injured by a dog, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

This guide will explain, step by step, how you can sue for dog bite compensation, what the law says, what evidence you’ll need, how much you could claim, and what to expect during the process.

Why Claim Compensation After a Dog Bite?

Being bitten by a dog can have a lasting impact on your life. It’s not just about the pain from the wound – there may be scars, infections, or even permanent disfigurement. Many people also suffer emotionally, developing anxiety or fear of dogs after an attack.

On top of that, you may have financial losses. You might need time off work, medical treatment, counselling, or even help at home. Claiming compensation helps you recover these costs and ensures that the person responsible is held accountable.

What Does the Law Say About Dog Bites?

There are two main laws in the UK that cover dog bite incidents.

1. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

This law makes it a criminal offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in any place – whether in public or on private property. A dog is considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone, or if a person has reasonable grounds to fear that it might.

Certain breeds, such as the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and more recently the XL Bully, are banned under this Act.

2. The Animals Act 1971

This law deals with civil liability, which is what allows you to sue for compensation. It says that dog owners can be held financially responsible for injuries caused by their dog. Even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, the owner can still be liable if the circumstances show the dog behaved in a dangerous way that the owner should have known about.

Who Can Sue for Dog Bite Compensation?

You can bring a claim if:

  • You were bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog.
  • You were injured at work while handling or delivering around dogs.
  • Your child was bitten by a dog, whether in public or at a neighbour’s house.
  • You were injured while protecting your own pet from an aggressive dog.
  • You were bitten on private property where the owner failed to keep the dog under control.

It doesn’t matter if:

  • The dog was on a lead.
  • The owner said it had never bitten before.
  • The dog was not a banned breed.
  • The police did not prosecute the owner.

All of these are myths that often stop people from making valid claims. The key point is this: if you were injured and someone else was responsible, you may be able to sue.

Can You Claim for a Stray Dog Bite?

If the dog had no clear owner, the claim is more complicated. However, you may still be able to bring a claim against:

  • The local council, if it failed to deal with a known dangerous stray.
  • A business or property owner, if the attack happened on their land and they had responsibility for controlling stray animals.

In these cases, a solicitor can help you identify who is responsible.

What Types of Injuries Can You Claim For?

You can claim compensation for both physical and psychological injuries. Examples include:

  • Cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations.
  • Scarring or disfigurement, especially to the face or hands.
  • Broken bones or nerve damage.
  • Infections caused by the bite.
  • Shock, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress.

Even a “minor” bite can have long-lasting consequences. Don’t dismiss it until you’ve spoken with a solicitor.

What Evidence Do You Need?

To sue successfully, you’ll need to prove both the attack and the injury. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of winning compensation.

Here are some things that can help:

  • Medical records – visit a doctor or hospital straight away to have your injuries assessed.
  • Photographs – take pictures of your wounds, the dog, and the location.
  • Witness statements – collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the attack.
  • CCTV or video footage – if available, this can clearly show what happened.
  • Insurance details – many claims are made against the dog owner’s pet insurance.
  • Reports – if the police, council, or RSPCA were involved, their records may support your case.

Is There a Time Limit to Sue for Dog Bite Compensation?

Yes. Under the Limitation Act 1980, you normally have three years from the date of the bite to start a claim.

For children, the three-year limit does not begin until their 18th birthday. A parent or guardian can start the claim on their behalf at any time before that.

It’s always best to start your claim as soon as possible, as evidence such as CCTV footage can quickly be lost.

How Much Compensation Could You Get?

There’s no fixed payout for dog bite claims. The amount depends on how severe your injury is and how it affects your life.

Compensation is usually divided into two parts:

1. General Damages

This covers the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury.

Some examples from the Judicial College Guidelines (used by courts to assess claims) include:

  • Severe PTSD – £73,050 to £122,850.
  • Facial disfigurement – £36,340 to £118,790.
  • Loss of thumb – £43,350 to £66,920.
  • Noticeable scarring – £9,560 to £27,740.

2. Special Damages

This covers the financial losses caused by the bite, such as:

  • Loss of earnings if you miss work.
  • Medical costs, including private treatment or counselling.
  • Travel expenses for hospital visits.
  • Care and domestic help at home.

In some cases, payouts can reach tens of thousands of pounds or more, particularly where there is permanent scarring or psychological trauma.

Real Examples of Dog Bite Compensation

To give you an idea of what’s possible:

  • Child bitten by neighbour’s dog – £22,000 for facial scarring and trauma.
  • Postal worker attacked on private property – £18,500 including lost wages.
  • Kennel assistant bitten at work – £27,000 for hand injuries and lasting pain.
  • Jogger bitten in a park – £9,250 for calf injuries and mild anxiety.
  • Delivery driver attacked through van window – £31,000 for permanent scarring.

Your case may be different, but these examples show how seriously the courts treat dog bite injuries.

How Long Does a Dog Bite Claim Take?

The time it takes depends on several factors:

  • Whether the dog owner admits liability.
  • How quickly evidence can be gathered.
  • Whether your injuries are fully healed (sometimes claims wait until recovery to properly value the compensation).
  • If the case goes to court.

Some straightforward claims may settle within months, while more complex cases can take over a year.

Do You Need a Solicitor to Sue?

You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but having one can make a big difference. Personal injury solicitors understand the law, know how to gather strong evidence, and can negotiate the best settlement for you.

Most work on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning:

  • You don’t pay anything upfront.
  • You don’t pay while the case is ongoing.
  • If you lose, you don’t pay at all.
  • If you win, the solicitor takes a success fee (a capped percentage of your compensation).

This arrangement makes it easier for you to start a claim without worrying about costs.

Step-by-Step: How to Sue for Dog Bite Compensation

Here’s a simple breakdown of what usually happens:

  1. Get medical help – your health comes first, and medical records will support your claim.
  2. Report the incident – to the police, local council, or RSPCA if necessary.
  3. Gather evidence – photos, witness details, and documents.
  4. Contact a solicitor – ideally a personal injury solicitor with experience in dog bite cases.
  5. Your solicitor investigates – they’ll review evidence, contact the dog owner or their insurer, and build your case.
  6. Negotiate a settlement – many cases settle without going to court.
  7. Go to court if needed – if the other side disputes liability or the value of the claim, your solicitor can take the case to court.

Final Thoughts

A dog bite can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. If a dog owner, employer, landlord, or authority failed in their duty and you were injured, you may have the right to sue for compensation.

By understanding the law, collecting the right evidence, and working with an experienced solicitor, you can take control of the situation and secure the support you need to move forward.

Remember: there are strict time limits, and evidence is easier to gather when it’s fresh. If you or your child has been bitten, it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible.