Girl being bitten on the leg by a dog.

Understanding Heads of Claim in Dog Bite Compensation Cases

If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, the physical and emotional impact can be life-changing. We understand how distressing these incidents can be and we’re here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “What can I actually claim for?” The answer lies in understanding the “heads of claim” which are the different categories of loss and damage that can be included in your dog bite compensation claim.

What Are Heads of Claim?

In legal terms, “heads of claim” refer to the specific types of losses you can recover compensation for. These are typically divided into two main categories:

  1. General Damages

These cover the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself.

  • Physical injuries: from puncture wounds and scarring to nerve damage or infection.
  • Psychological trauma: including anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs following the attack.
  • Loss of amenity: if your injury affects your ability to enjoy hobbies, work, or daily life.
  1. Special Damages

These are financial losses and expenses you’ve incurred (or will incur) as a result of the injury.

  • Loss of earnings: if you’ve had to take time off work or can no longer work.
  • Medical expenses: including private treatment, prescriptions, or counselling.
  • Travel costs: to and from medical appointments or therapy sessions.
  • Care and assistance: if you’ve needed help with daily tasks during recovery.
  • Future losses: such as ongoing treatment or long-term care needs.

Why It’s Important to Claim Everything You’re Entitled To

Dog bite injuries can have long-lasting consequences. Some victims are left with permanent scarring or psychological effects that impact their confidence, relationships, and career. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a solicitor who understands the full scope of your losses and how to evidence them properly.

At Ison Harrison, we take a thorough and compassionate approach to every case. We’ll work closely with you to:

  • Assess the full impact of your injuries
  • Gather medical and financial evidence
  • Instruct medical experts where needed
  • Maximise your compensation under each head of claim

Why Choose Ison Harrison?

We’re one of the UK’s leading firms for dog bite claims, with a proven track record of securing compensation for victims across Leeds and beyond. Our team offers:

  • Free initial advice
  • No win, no fee representation
  • Specialist personal injury solicitors with experience in animal attack cases
  • A client-first approach that puts your recovery and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do

Take the First Step Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, don’t suffer in silence. Contact our expert team today for a free, confidential consultation.

For a review and assessment of your dog bite claim get in touch with us today:

Dog lying on the floor in front of a fan trying to cool down.

5 Ways to Avoid Being Bitten by a Dog – Essential Safety Tips for Families During the Heatwave

As temperatures soar in this summer heatwave, it is important for families to be extra mindful around dogs. Just like people, dogs can become restless, irritable, and more prone to reacting defensively when they feel uncomfortable or overheated. At Ison Harrison Solicitors, we want to help keep you and your loved ones safe with these five practical tips to avoid dog bites during the warmer weather.

  1. Respect a Dog’s Space, Especially When They’re Resting or Cooling Down

Heat can make dogs more sensitive to disturbance. If you see a dog resting in the shade, or near water to cool off, avoid approaching or startling them. Dogs need their space to regulate their body temperature and interrupting them during this vulnerable time can increase the risk of defensive behaviour.

  1. Be Cautious Around Dogs in Cars or Enclosed Spaces

During hot weather, dogs trapped in cars or confined areas can become anxious or agitated quickly. Never attempt to interact with or touch a dog that appears stressed or confined, even if they belong to someone you know. If you see a dog in distress in a vehicle, alert the authorities rather than intervening directly.

  1. Teach Children to Approach Dogs Calmly and Respectfully

Children should always ask permission before approaching any dog, even familiar pets. They should avoid sudden movements, loud noises, or trying to hug or grab a dog. Calm, gentle behaviour helps dogs feel safe and reduces the chance of biting incidents.

  1. Avoid Dog Interaction When They Are Eating, Sleeping, or Caring for Puppies

Dogs can become protective of their food, resting spots, or puppies, especially when feeling hot or stressed. Families should never interrupt or try to take items from a dog in these situations. Giving dogs room to feel secure can prevent defensive reactions.

  1. Recognise Warning Signs and Act Responsibly

Dogs may show early signs of distress or discomfort, such as growling, baring teeth, stiffening, or avoiding eye contact. Teaching families to recognise these signals and step away calmly can prevent escalation to a bite.

Why the Heatwave Makes These Tips Even More Important

The summer heat affects dogs’ behaviour by making them physically uncomfortable and less tolerant of stress. Restlessness, irritability, and lower thresholds for reacting are more common, increasing the risk of bite incidents. Being aware of these changes and adapting your behaviour around dogs is a simple but effective way to keep your family safe.

Need Help After a Dog Bite?

If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, Ison Harrison Solicitors are here to help you understand your rights and secure compensation where appropriate. Our experienced, dedicated team provides clear advice and supportive guidance throughout the claims process.

To find out if you could claim on a no win, no fee basis, contact Claim for Dog Bite on 0113 224 7851 or email [email protected].

Stay safe this summer by respecting dogs’ needs and teaching children how to interact responsibly. Together, we can reduce dog bite incidents and enjoy a safer community for everyone.

dog bite no win no fee claim

No Win, No Fee Explained: Taking the Risk Out of Dog Bite Claims

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be unsure whether it’s worth pursuing a compensation claim. You may be worried about the cost of instructing a solicitor, particularly if you are already dealing with physical injury, emotional distress, or time off work. At Ison Harrison, we are here to make the process clear, accessible, and risk-free so you can concentrate on your recovery.

We can deal with you claim under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This sort of funding agreement is more commonly known as a No Win, No Fee Agreement

What Does ‘No Win-No Fee’ Mean?

Put simply, No Win-No Fee means:

  • you do not have to pay any legal fees upfront
  • if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be charged for the work we have done on your case.
  • if your claim is successful, a contribution to our fees will be deducted from the compensation you receive.

This type of agreement is designed to remove financial barriers and worries and make justice accessible to anyone who has suffered injury through no fault of their own.

Why It Matters for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite claims can be complex. Owners may be unknown, insurers may deny liability, or the injuries may be complex and long lasting. In some cases, particularly those involving banned breeds such as XL Bullies, there may be issues with invalid insurance or breaches of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

In such cases you need a trusted legal team with experience in both personal injury law and animal liability. With a No Win-No Fee agreement in place, you can pursue your claim without worrying about legal costs adding to your burden.

What Costs Might Apply?

If your claim is successful, a percentage of your compensation is usually deducted to cover your solicitor’s success fee. In most cases we limit this success fee to 25% of the damages recovered, this includes the VAT element.

You may also need After the Event (ATE) insurance to cover disbursements (such as medical reports or court fees). We will guide you through these options and ensure you understand all cost implications before proceeding.

How Ison Harrison Supports You

  • Free initial consultation with an experienced solicitor
  • Clear explanation of funding options, including No Win-No Fee funding.
  • Specialist expertise in dog bite claims, including child injuries and workplace attacks

We understand that a dog bite can be a deeply distressing event. Whether you were bitten in a public place or or injured while working, we’re here to help.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury, speak to the personal injury specialists at Ison Harrison. We’re here to make the process simple, transparent, and risk-free.

  • call us on 0113 224 7851
  • email [email protected]
  • simply complete and submit the contact form on this page
dog in summer

Summer Safety: More Time Outdoors, More Risk of Bites – Know Your Rights

As the summer months arrive and more of us spend time outdoors, the number of dog bite incidents tends to rise. Warmer weather means more dogs and their owners in parks, on footpaths, and at public gatherings. While most dogs are well behaved, even a friendly animal can react unpredictably in unfamiliar or crowded situations.

If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog this summer, it’s important to understand your legal rights and what steps you should take.

Why Dog Bites Increase in Summer

Several factors contribute to the spike in dog bite cases during the warmer months:

  • More frequent outdoor gatherings like barbecues, festivals, and sports events
  • Children off school spending more time in parks and public spaces
  • Higher temperatures, which can make dogs more irritable and reactive
  • Off-lead exercise, often in busy or distracting environments

All of these increase the likelihood of interactions between dogs and people and with it, the risk of injury.

What to Do If You Are Bitten

If you are bitten by a dog, even if the wound seems minor, you should:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately: dog bites can lead to infections or, in rare cases, long-term complications.
  2. Report the incident to the police: especially if the dog was dangerously out of control.
  3. Record as much information as possible: including the dog owner’s details, witness contact information, photos of the injury, and location of the incident.
  4. Do not confront the dog’s owner aggressively: but ensure that the owner is aware that the incident has occurred.

Even if the dog has no history of aggression, you may still have grounds to bring a claim, particularly if the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack.

Making a Claim After a Dog Bite

In many cases, you can claim compensation for injuries suffered as a result of a dog bite. This may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Psychological trauma
  • Loss of earnings
  • Medical treatment costs
  • Long-term care or rehabilitation

Compensation is typically sought from the dog owner’s insurance either via pet insurance or third-party liability cover included within their household insurance. If the incident occurred on business premises and the dog was an asset of the business such as a working sheep dog or security, then you may be able to claim on their public liability cover. If the dog was used as a weapon, you may be able to make an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

We’re Here to Help

At Ison Harrison we have experience and expertise in dog bite claims and understand the physical and emotional distress they can cause. We offer clear advice and act for you on a no win no fee basis so that if your claim is not successful then you don’t pay for the work we have done.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog this summer, don’t suffer in silence. Contact our expert team today and get the compensation you deserve.

Start your claim today

For a review and assessment of your no win no fee dog bite claim get in touch with us today:

 

Can You Claim Through the CICA for a Dog Bite?

When someone suffers a dog bite, most people think of claiming compensation through the dog owner’s insurance. But what happens if the dog was used deliberately as a weapon? In such cases, a claim may be possible through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) a government-funded scheme designed to compensate innocent victims of violent crime.

At Claim for Dog Bite, we help clients explore all potential routes to compensation — including applications to the CICA — where the circumstances of the attack make a civil claim impossible or inappropriate.

What is the CICA?

The CICA is a government body that awards compensation to individuals who have suffered a criminal injury in England, Wales, or Scotland. The scheme covers a wide range of injuries, including psychological trauma, and extends to cases involving intentional attacks with a dog or where a dog has been used as a weapon in a criminal assault.

CICA claims are particularly relevant where:

  • The dog was set on you deliberately
  • You were attacked in the context of a violent or criminal act
  • The police were involved, and the incident is classified as a criminal offence

When Is a Dog Bite Considered a Criminal Injury?

Not all dog bite cases will qualify for a CICA award. To be eligible, the incident must amount to a crime of violence as defined by the CICA scheme. This includes:

  • A deliberate dog attack where the animal was used to cause harm
  • An owner commanding or encouraging their dog to bite
  • Dog-related assaults linked to threats, robbery, or abuse

If the injury was purely accidental, or if there was no criminal intent involved, a CICA claim is unlikely to succeed. In such cases, a civil claim against the owner or their insurer may be more appropriate.

CICA Claim Requirements

To bring a successful CICA claim, you must:

  • Report the incident to the police as soon as possible
  • Cooperate fully with the police investigation
  • Submit your claim within two years of the incident
  • Provide medical evidence of your injuries

The CICA awards compensation for physical injuries, mental trauma, and in some cases, loss of earnings or special expenses due to the attack.

Why Legal Help Matters

Although you can apply to the CICA without a solicitor, these claims are often rejected due to missing evidence, misclassification, or procedural errors. At Ison Harrison, we understand how to present a compelling case and ensure that your application includes the necessary documentation to support your claim.

We can also advise you whether the CICA is the right route or whether a civil claim is likely to yield a better result.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been injured by a dog in what you believe was a criminal attack, speak to our team today. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and handle most CICA claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. Contact us today.

Let us help you take the next step towards justice and recovery.

Victims of Dog Attacks Left Traumatised

Victims of Dog Attacks Left Traumatised – Know Your Rights to Compensation

A recent shocking case has highlighted the devastating impact of dog attacks, with a couple left too scared to leave their home after a violent incident involving an out-of-control dog. This distressing situation is sadly becoming all too common, as reports of dangerous dog attacks in the UK continue to rise.

The injured party, a man in his later 20’s was attacked by a Rottweiler in Gamston, Nottingham in late February 2025. Fortunately, the victim was wearing a thick jacket so suffered only a crush wound and soft tissue injury rather than a serious puncture wound however he was still required to have a tetanus jab and take antibiotics, requiring three days absence from work.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Ison Harrison, our specialist dog bite claims solicitors can help you seek the compensation you deserve for your physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses.

Dog Attacks Are on the Rise – But Victims Have Rights

The victims in this latest case described how the attack left them feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhood, afraid to step outside in fear of another encounter. This is a common experience among dog bite victims, who not only suffer painful injuries but also ongoing psychological distress, including PTSD and anxiety.

Under UK law, dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets, and if a dog causes injury, the victim may be entitled to compensation. Claims can cover:

✅ Medical treatment costs – including surgery, scarring treatment, and therapy.
✅ Lost earnings – if the injury has impacted your ability to work.
✅ Pain and suffering – including emotional trauma and psychological impact.
✅ Rehabilitation and ongoing care – for serious or lasting injuries.

How Ison Harrison Can Help You Claim Compensation

At Ison Harrison, we understand how distressing a dog attack can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our expert team will assess your case free of charge and guide you through the claims process on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Don’t suffer in silence. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you have legal rights. Contact our specialist solicitors today to find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

  • call on 0113 2247851
  • email [email protected]
  • complete and submit the contact form on this page

Claiming for a Dog Bite

Claiming for a Dog Bite.A conversation I have on a regular basis when dealing with enquiries from people who have been bitten by a dog often goes along the following lines:

Me: ‘Do you have the details of the dog owner or the party who had control of the dog at the time of the incident?’

Caller: ‘No, I don’t know who owns the dog; I just want to claim compensation’.

Me: I’m sorry but in the absence of the details of the responsible owner you are not able to make a claim’.

Caller: ‘But I’ve been bitten …’

I’m always sympathetic towards anyone who has been bitten by an untraced dog. They can receive an injury that can be both physically and mentally debilitating but without any opportunity to claim compensation to offset such.

Alternative causes of action when claiming for a dog bite

If you have been bitten by a dog for whom there is no known owner there are steps, you can take which may assist.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

If the dog was deliberately set upon you and used as a weapon then, if you have reported the matter to the police, you may be able to obtain an award from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (the “CICA”).

The CICA is a government-funded body that makes payments to the victims of violent crime. The keywords here are violent crime. If somebody’s dog is just running feral and bites you, then while they may have committed a criminal offence in relation to the handling of their animal, they have not committed a crime of violence and therefore you are not entitled to an award of compensation from the CICA.

Social media

If you can obtain a photograph of the dog in question it may be worthwhile placing such on local social media pages and asking if anyone who has information on the animal to DM you. In such a case be as specific as possible, make no threats, nor indicate that you are planning a personal injury claim. Remember that social media is publication for the purposes of libel, and you don’t want to only find out the details of the dog owner when you receive a letter from their solicitors claiming damages for the comments you have made.

Report to the police

Regardless of whether you can obtain a photograph or not, you should report the matter to the police. If the police feel that the extent of the injury is severe enough to warrant further investigation, they can make enquiries with regards to any local CCTV that may be of assistance in determining the owner. You should also report the matter to the local dog warden who may be able to assist in tracing the animal if the animal has previously bitten or caused issues.

How we can help when claiming for a dog bite

Unfortunately, dog insurance is not compulsory so even if you are able to locate the home address of the animal, there is no guarantee that pet insurance will be in place. However, a household insurance policy may cover for third-party liability claims such as this. It does not matter that the bite did not occur on the insured property.

If you have been bitten by a dog, and would like to discuss the possibility of claiming compensation for your injuries then please get in touch with us today.

 

Claiming for a Dog Bite

£2800 for bite to arm

Instructions were received on behalf of the Claimant in relation to a claim for damages arising out of a dog bite incident.

The background of the claim was that the Claimant attended at the Defendant’s property during the course of his employment as a delivery driver for Amazon. The Claimant left the parcel at the door and was walking back to the van when the dog escaped and bit him on the right shin.

The Claimant returned to his vehicle and telephoned his employees for advice who recommended that he attend hospital. The Claimant attended the Accident and Emergency department at the North Middlesex University Hospital. It was confirmed that the Claimant had sustained a graze to his right shin and surrounding soft tissue swelling. The Claimant was prescribed antibiotics and given a tetanus booster. The Claimant was unable to work for four days and upon his return, he was apprehensive when delivering parcels after what had happened. The Claimant’s injuries healed with three small areas of localised discolouration remaining. He experienced localised pain for two weeks following the accident.

Careful consideration was given to the background of the claim and the treatment provided. Steps were taken to obtain the Claimant’s medical records. Upon receipt of the relevant documentation, it clearly supported the Claimant’s version of events.

The Letter of Claim was prepared and forwarded to the Defendant on the 7th January 2021. In the interim, further investigations were undertaken and outstanding information was obtained. The Letter of Claim was acknowledged by the Third Party Insurers on the 25th January 2021 who confirmed they were making enquiries into the issue of liability. On the 20th April 2021 the Defendant admitted primary liability.

Steps were taken to obtain the Claimant’s full medical records from his GP and the hospital. The Claimant was examined by an A&E Consultant who confirmed the Claimant’s injuries.

Discussions took place between the parties in relation to potential settlement and on the 3rd January 2022 the Claimant put forward a Part 36 offer of £3500. The Defendant responded with a Part 36 counteroffer of £2800 on the 27th January 2022. On the 9th February 2022 the Claimant accepted the Defendant’s Part 36 offer of £2800 thus concluding the matter save as to costs.

The matter was funded by a CFA with the Claimant. No additional liabilities are claimed from the paying party.

Valuing a Dogbite Claim

Valuing a Dogbite Claim. The aim behind a dog bite claim, just like any personal injury claim, is to put you back in the position you were in prior to the incident. Obviously, it is not possible to turn back time to prevent the incident from happening nor is it possible to simply wave a cheque-book over your injuries and take away your pain and suffering.

The purpose of a claim for compensation is to put a monetary value on your pain and suffering and your associated losses.

So how do we put a price on pain and the reduction in your overall health and well-being?

Any claim for personal injury will seek to recover compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (PSLA). Loss of amenity is effectively the loss of enjoyment of life during your period of recovery.

Valuing a Dogbite Claim

To determine the full extent of your injuries your solicitor will, either upon receipt of an admission of liability or in the run-up to the issue of proceedings, obtain a medical report. This will be provided by an independent medical expert.

The expert will produce a report based upon a review of your medical records and an examination of your injuries to include any scarring and/or mental trauma arising from the incident.  Additional reports will be obtained from other experts as required.

Once all necessary reports have been obtained, your solicitor will use these to value your injuries with reference to case law involving Claimants with similar injuries and also the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). The JCG sets out injuries with differing severity with an indication of the band of compensation into which an injury may fall.  This guide is used by both solicitors for both claimants and defendants, and also by judges

Financial losses

In addition to the claim for your PSLA, your solicitor will also look to recover all and any financial losses or costs that have been incurred as a result of the incident. This can include lost income, damage to clothing, as well as the need for any form of treatment required as a result of the injury. In addition, if there is obvious scarring, the cost of cover-up cream and if so required, plastic restorative surgery.

The valuation of a dog bite can be particularly complex as it is more likely to result in some form of psychological trauma that would occur if the injuries had been sustained by for example tripping over a raised paving stone. Again, the occupation of the claimant can have a bearing: a delivery person is more likely to encounter dogs than an office worker, and therefore mental trauma brought about by a dog bite is likely to impact to a greater level.

To ensure that you receive the maximum and appropriate level of compensation you should instruct Solicitors who have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to not only prove that the incident was caused by the negligence of the dog owner but also, to ensure that you receive every penny to which you are entitled.

Get the help you need

For the expert help and advice you need, contact Mike Massen at Cohen Cramer Solicitors:

  • Call: 0113 224 7851 (0779 381 2361 eve and w/ends)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Fill in the contact form on this page

 

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CICA and dog bite claims

CICA and dog bite claims. Frequently, I receive enquiries from victims of dog bite attacks whereby the owner of the dog cannot be traced or, if they can be traced, they do not have any appropriate insurance. In the absence of the owner or a lack of insurance, it is very difficult to pursue a personal injury claim.

Quite often such victims ask if they can make an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (“CICA”).

The CICA is a government-funded organisation that makes payment to the victims of crimes of violence. It is this last definition that prevents an award of compensation being made by the CICA to dog bite victims, except in very limited circumstances.

Applications to the CICA following a dog bite

The essential element is an intention by the dog owner/party with control of the dog, to cause you harm. In the absence of evidence of such, your application is likely to fail.

Whilst you may have sustained an injury because of the actions of the dog owner who has been charged with a criminal offence, it does not automatically mean that you were the victim of a crime of violence. By way of example, you may come home and find your house has been burgled and suffer an extreme shock reaction. You have suffered an injury – that is not in doubt – but it was not sustained as a result of a crime of violence and as such, no award will be made.

The CICA will only make payment in relation to the dog attack if it can be shown that the dog was used as a weapon in so much as it was deliberately set upon you, or a situation was orchestrated by the dog owner so that the attack upon you was inevitable. It is only within these narrow boundaries that a claim will be recognised and an award made.

Qualifying for an award

To qualify for an award, you will need to show, in addition to sustaining an injury that:

  • the incident happened in the United Kingdom
  • it happened within the past two years (or within two years of your 18th birthday)
  • the matter was reported to the police in a prompt manner (within a maximum of 72 hours)
  • you have co-operated fully with the police in their investigations.

Get the legal help you need

If you have been bitten by a dog and have any questions in relation to making a claim either against the owner or, in appropriate circumstances, an application to the CICA, then get in touch today.

Our specialist teams can advise you on the issues relevant to your claim.

While based in Leeds, we offer a nationwide service.

​We are able to offer a number of funding options to suit your needs including no win no fee and fixed fee work. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss which funding options apply.

  • Call: Mike Massen on 0113 224 7804
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Fill in the contact form on this page and we will call you back

 

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