Claiming for a Serious Dog Bite

A serious dog bite can leave lasting physical and psychological effects. Where injuries are severe, victims may be entitled to significant compensation. Understanding your rights and how to bring a claim is key to protecting your recovery and future.

At Ison Harrison, our trusted, expert personal injury solicitors support individuals across Leeds and Yorkshire with high value dog bite compensation claims, helping them secure the financial support they need.

What Makes a Dog Bite Claim “High Value”?

A dog bite claim becomes high value where injuries are serious, life-changing, or have long-term consequences. This might include:

• Deep lacerations or multiple injuries requiring surgery
• Nerve damage causing loss of sensation or mobility
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly to the face
• Infections leading to complications or prolonged recovery
• Psychological trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, or fear of animals
• Loss of earnings where you cannot return to work

For example, a delivery driver attacked while entering a property may suffer not only physical injuries but also an inability to continue in their role. These wider losses are an important part of a high value dog bite compensation claim.

Your Legal Rights After a Serious Dog Bite

In England and Wales, dog owners are responsible for keeping their animals under control. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence for a dog to be “dangerously out of control” in public or private places.

You may be entitled to claim compensation if:

• A dog attacks or bites you without warning
• The owner failed to control the dog properly
• You were lawfully on private property (such as a visitor, worker, or delivery driver)

Claims are often made against the dog owner’s insurance policy, meaning compensation can be recovered without necessarily impacting them personally.

What Can High Value Dog Bite Compensation Cover?

A successful claim aims to put you, as far as possible, back in the position you would have been in had the injury not occurred. Compensation may include:

• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Medical and rehabilitation costs (including cosmetic surgery)
• Loss of earnings and future earning capacity
• Care and assistance from family or professionals
• Travel expenses for treatment
• Psychological therapy or counselling

High value dog bite claims often require expert medical evidence to fully assess the long-term impact of the injuries.

Steps to Take After a Serious Dog Attack

If you have suffered a serious dog bite, taking the right steps early on can strengthen your claim:

• Seek immediate medical attention and follow treatment advice
• Report the incident to the police or local authority
• Take photographs of your injuries and the location
• Gather contact details for witnesses and the dog owner
• Keep records of expenses and time off work

Early legal advice is particularly important in high value claims to ensure all evidence is preserved.

How Ison Harrison Can Help

Bringing a serious dog bite claim can feel overwhelming, especially while recovering from injury. Our personal injury solicitors in Leeds and across Yorkshire offer:

• Expert representation in complex, high value dog bite claims
• Access to leading medical specialists
• Clear, practical advice throughout your case
• No win, no fee funding options
• A strong track record of securing substantial compensation

We focus on making the process straightforward so you can concentrate on your recovery.

Speak to Our Team Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious dog bite, it’s important to understand your rights and explore your options.

For a review and assessment of your dog bite claim get in touch with us today:
Call: 0113 224 7851
Email: [email protected] 
Fill in the contact form on this page