Dog Bite Claims in England and Wales: A Brief Guide for Victims

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A dog bite or attack can be a Traumatic experience. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious wounds, scarring, nerve damage and even lasting psychological trauma. For many victims, the attack can also cause a loss of confidence, fear of dogs and anxiety in everyday life.

If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be unsure whether you can claim dog bite compensation, who would be responsible, or how to go about a dog bitepersonal injury claim.

In some cases, victims may also be able to pursue compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), particularly if the dog owner cannot be identified or if the attack involved a criminal offence. This guide explains all your options in England and Wales.

What Is a Dog Bite Personal Injury Claim?

A dog bite claim is a civil claim for personal injury, meaning it allows an injured person to claim compensation from the person responsible for the dog.

The purpose of a civil claim is to provide financial compensation for:

• Physical injuries
• Psychological trauma
• Financial losses, including medical costs and lost earnings

Civil claims are separate from any criminal prosecution, which would be handled by the police or other authorities.

Can You Claim Compensation After a Dog Bite?

You may be entitled to dog bite compensation if:

• You were bitten, attacked or injured by a dog
• The attack was not your fault
• Someone else was responsible for controlling the dog

Even relatively minor injuries may justify a claim, particularly if complications, infection, or scarring develop later.

Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite?

In most cases, responsibility lies with the dog owner or the person controlling the dog at the time (for example, a dog walker or family member).

Dog owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure their dog does not cause injury. A claim may arise if a dog:

• Bites without provocation
• Is not on a lead where required
• Escapes from a property or enclosure
• Jumps up and knocks someone over
• Attacks another animal and injures someone intervening

A dog does not need to have a history of aggression for a claim to succeed.

Where Do Dog Bite Accidents Commonly Occur?

Dog bites can happen anywhere, including:

• Public places such as parks, pavements, beaches, or footpaths
• Private homes, including visits to friends or neighbours
• Communal areas in flats or housing estates
• Workplaces, especially affecting delivery drivers, carers, and postal workers

Being bitten on private property does not automatically prevent a claim.

Injuries Commonly Seen in Dog Bite Claims

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to completely life-changing. Common injuries include:

• Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
• Bruising and tearing of skin
• Infections requiring antibiotics or hospital treatment
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Psychological injuries such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress
• Injuries caused by falls while trying to escape

Children are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries, including facial scarring.

Psychological Impact of Dog Attacks

Many victims experience ongoing emotional harm, such as:

• Fear of dogs or public spaces
• Panic attacks or flashbacks
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of confidence

These psychological injuries can form part of a dog bite compensation claim and are assessed with medical evidence.

What Compensation Can You Claim in a Dog Bite Case?

Compensation in a dog bite claim usually includes two main areas:

1. Compensation for the Injury Itself

• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and cosmetic damage
• Psychological trauma
• Long-term or permanent symptoms

2. Compensation for Financial Losses

• Medical treatment and prescription costs
• Travel expenses for appointments
• Loss of earnings
• Future care or therapy costs

The exact amount depends on the severity of the injuries and how they affect your life.

Reporting a Dog Bite

Reporting the incident is important for both civil and criminal claims. You should:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Report the incident to the police if the dog was out of control
• Contact your local council or dog warden
• Take photographs of injuries and the scene

Medical records, police reports and witness statements are all valuable evidence for a claim.

What If the Dog Owner Is a Friend or Neighbour?

Many dog bite claims involve dogs owned by people the victim knows. This can make victims hesitant to pursue a claim.

Most dog bite claims are handled through insurance, such as household or pet insurance, rather than targeting the individual personally. A solicitor can guide you to pursue a claim professionally and discreetly.

What If the Dog Owner Has No Insurance?

If the dog owner is uninsured, a civil claim may still be possible but can be more complex. In some cases, responsibility may extend to:

• Landlords or property occupiers
• Employers, if the dog was connected to work activities

Specialist legal advice is recommended in these situations.

Time Limits for Dog Bite Claims

• Civil dog bite claims: usually three years from the date of the incident
• CICA claims: usually two years from the date of the incident

Special rules apply for children and those lacking mental capacity. Early legal advice is always best to preserve evidence and procure accurate witness statements.

Criminal Injuries Compensation for Dog Attacks

In some cases, victims may also be eligible to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

When Might a CICA Claim Apply?

A CICA claim may be an option if:

• The dog attack was a criminal act (for example, a dog dangerously out of control)
• The dog owner cannot be identified
• The dog owner has no insurance or means to pay
• A civil claim is impractical

Certain dog attacks can be considered offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Key Points About CICA Claims

To claim compensation via CICA:

• The incident must have been reported to the police
• You must cooperate with any investigation
• The claim must be submitted within the two-year time limit
• The victim must be considered innocent of provoking the attack

CICA awards are generally fixed based on injury severity and do not account for financial losses as fully as civil claims.

How CICA Compensation Differs from Civil Claims

• Compensation amounts may be lower than in a civil claim
• Loss of earnings and expenses are more limited
• Compensation is assessed using a tariff system
• Claims may take several months to be processed

For victims who cannot pursue a civil claim, CICA provides an important alternative route to compensation.

Can You Make Both Civil and CICA Claims?

You generally cannot claim twice for the same injury. However, a solicitor can advise whether it is better to:

• Pursue a civil dog bite claim first
• Consider a CICA claim if civil recovery is not possible

This ensures victims have the best chance of obtaining compensation.

No Win No Fee Dog Bite Claims

Most civil dog bite claims are pursued on a no-win no feebasis, meaning:

• No upfront legal costs
• No fees if the claim is unsuccessful
• Fees are only payable if the claim succeeds

Many solicitors also advise on CICA claims under similar funding arrangements.

What to Do After a Dog Bite or Dog Attack

If you are injured:

1. Seek medical attention immediately
2. Report the incident to the police
3. Take photographs of injuries and the scene
4. Keep receipts and records of expenses
5. Seek advice from a specialist personal injury solicitor

Early action improves the chances of a successful claim.

Final Thoughts

Dog attacks can have serious physical and psychological consequences. Whether through a civil dog bite compensation claim or, in certain situations, a criminal injuries compensation claim, victims have options to seek justice and financial recovery.

A specialist solicitor can assess your circumstances, explain the best route for compensation, and guide you through the process sensitively and professionally. 

Fortunately, Step Legal have several expert solicitors with plenty of experience in dealing with dog bite and attack claims, where we have secured successful outcomes for our client’s time after time.  

So, if you’re looking for solicitors who combine expertise and technical knowledge with compassion and unwavering determination, Step Legal is here to help.

Contact us at 0800 195 6412 today.You can also make an enquiry through our email: enquiries@steplegal.co.uk