If you were bitten while helping someone else, for example, stepping in to break up a dog fight, assisting a distressed owner, or protecting a child, you may think that you have no legal right to pursue a dog bite claim. Many Good Samaritans feel they “put themselves in harm’s way,” so they simply carry on without seeking help.
In reality, the law in England and Wales gives strong protection to people who act responsibly and suffer injury because a dog was not kept under proper control.
Can You Claim Compensation If You Were Bitten While Helping?
Yes, you may still have a valid dog bite claim, even if you voluntarily stepped in to assist.
The key question is not whether you intervened, but whether:
- The dog owner or person in charge failed to control the dog;
- The attack was foreseeable or preventable;
- You acted reasonably in the circumstances.
Under the Animals Act 1971 and general negligence principles, dog owners can be held responsible when someone is injured because their dog behaves dangerously or unpredictably.
Common Scenarios Where Good Samaritans Can Claim
You may be able to claim if you were bitten while:
- Trying to separate two fighting dogs
- Assisting an owner who had lost control of their dog
- Helping a child or elderly person who was being threatened
- Intervening when a dog chased, lunged, or escaped
- Being asked to help with a situation involving a dog and suffering injury as a result
In many of these situations, the owner should have:
- Used a lead or muzzle
- Ensured a secure garden or enclosure
- Trained or supervised the dog properly
- Warned bystanders about known behavioural issues
Failing to do these things can amount to negligence.
Why People Incorrectly Assume They Have No Rights
Victims can often wrongly assume that they cannot claim in such situations.
- “It was my choice to get involved.”
- “The owner said it wasn’t their fault.”
- “I was just helping, so I didn’t think I could claim.”
These assumptions are understandable, especially when emotions run high. But the law recognises that individuals who step in to prevent harm should not be left to deal with injury, scarring, trauma, or loss of earnings alone.
What Compensation Can Cover
A dog bite claim can help you recover:
- Physical injuries and scarring
- Psychological trauma
- Loss of earnings if you need time off work
- Medical treatment costs
- Future care or therapy needs
Many Good Samaritans are left with lifelong scars or ongoing anxiety. You deserve support and financial recovery.
How Ison Harrison Can Help
Ison Harrison is one of Yorkshire’s most trusted personal injury teams, with extensive experience in dog bite claims, including complex Good Samaritan cases. We can handle claims on a no win, no fee basis and provide clear, straightforward guidance from the start.
We will:
- Assess whether the owner is legally responsible and will have the appropriate insurance to ensure compensation is available
- Gather evidence such as witness accounts, vet records, and medical reports
- Calculate the full value of your injuries and losses
- Support you at every stage of the claim
Speak to a Solicitor Today
If you were bitten while helping, don’t assume you have no rights. You may be entitled to compensation, and we are here to advise you.
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
Call: 0113 224 7851
Email: [email protected]
Fill in the contact form on this page
Dog Bite Claims
The most common claim types that we handle for our clients
Claim type not listed? Get in touch for a free assessment of your dog bite injury claim.
Mike Massen, a partner in the dog bite injury team at Ison Harrison Solicitors.
