Can I Claim Compensation If I’m Bitten by a Police Dog?

While these highly trained animals play a crucial role in law enforcement, their use, even when dealing with criminal suspects, 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 used to 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 if excessive force was used, you could have grounds for a compensation 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. In addition, the police must justify their use of force, including the deployment of dogs. If they fail to do so, you may again have a valid claim.

Such claims are assessed on 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.

Start Your Claim Today

If you’ve been bitten by a dog and want to know your rights, contact our expert team at Ison Harrison for free legal advice and find out how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

For a review and assessment of your dog bite claim get in touch with us today – call 0113 224 7851 or email [email protected].

Don’t let a misconception stop you from claiming what you’re entitled to. If you’ve been bitten, you have rights: let us fight for them.