Being bitten by a police dog can be a distressing and painful experience. While these highly trained animals play a crucial role in law enforcement, their use must be justified and proportionate. If you have been injured by a police dog, you may be able to claim compensation, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
When Can You Claim for a Police Dog Bite?
Police dogs are deployed to help apprehend suspects and maintain public order. However, their use must comply with strict legal guidelines. If a police dog attacked you without lawful justification or excessive force was used, you could have grounds for a claim. Potential scenarios where compensation may be possible include:
- Mistaken Identity: If you were not the intended target but were bitten in an unprovoked attack.
- Unnecessary or Excessive Force: If the police used a dog when it was not reasonable or proportionate in the situation.
- Failure to Control the Dog: If the handler lost control and the dog attacked indiscriminately.
- Injuries as a Bystander: If you were an innocent bystander caught in an incident involving police dogs.
Legal Considerations in Police Dog Bite Claims
Under the Animals Act 1971, police forces can be held liable if their dogs cause injury and it was foreseeable or preventable. Additionally, under human rights and personal injury laws, the police must justify their use of force, including the deployment of dogs. If they fail to do so, you may have a valid claim.
Each case is assessed based on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the attack, and whether the police acted lawfully. A successful claim can provide compensation for physical and mental injury, scarring, medical costs, lost earnings, and incidental expenses and costs
How to Start Your Claim
If you’ve been bitten by a police dog and believe the force used was excessive or unjustified, contact us now for expert legal advice. At Ison Harrison, we can assess your case and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our no win, no fee service ensures that you can pursue justice without financial risk.
Call us today or start your claim online!
Contact:
- Mike Massen on 0113 224 7851
- email: [email protected]
- fill in the contact form on this page
Your claim can be dealt with on a no win no fee basis.
