Many people believe that a dog must have a history of aggression for a victim to successfully claim compensation after an attack. This is a common misconception and often prevents victims from seeking the legal support they deserve. In reality, you can still make a dog bite claim even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before the incident.
At Ison Harrison, we specialise in helping dog bite victims secure compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been bitten—even by a dog with no prior record of aggression—you may still be entitled to make a claim.
The Law on Dog Bite Claims in the UK
Under the Animals Act 1971, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their pet, even if the dog has never previously attacked anyone. This means that victims do not need to prove that the dog had a history of aggression to claim compensation.
There are two main legal routes to a successful claim:
Liability Under the Animals Act 1971
The law states that a dog owner can be liable if:
- The injury was caused by the dog’s behaviour, even if it had never bitten before.
- The risk of injury was foreseeable, meaning the dog’s size, strength, or breed could make it dangerous in certain situations.
- The owner or keeper knew the dog could act in a way that might cause harm—even if it had never done so before.
This means that even if the dog was generally well-behaved, the owner may still be responsible if it bites or attacks someone.
Negligence by the Dog Owner
If an owner fails to control their dog in a public or private space, they could be found negligent. Some common examples include:
- Letting a dog roam off-lead in a public area.
- Failing to secure a dog properly at home, leading to an attack on a visitor.
- Ignoring signs that the dog was overexcited, fearful, or aggressive in certain situations.
If the attack was caused by the owner’s negligence, you may have strong grounds for a compensation claim.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay in Making a Claim
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to act quickly—not just for your health, but also for your legal rights.
- The time limit to make a claim is usually three years from the date of the attack.
- Medical records are crucial—seek treatment immediately to document your injuries.
- Evidence matters—take photos of your injuries and, if possible, details of the dog and owner.
At Ison Harrison, we can help you gather the evidence needed to make a strong claim, even if the dog had no prior aggression.
How We Can Help – No Win, No Fee Dog Bite Claims
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, you shouldn’t have to suffer financially as well. Our dog bite claims solicitors work on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
We help clients recover compensation for:
✔ Medical treatment costs (including surgery and scarring treatment).
✔ Loss of earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.
✔ Pain, suffering, and psychological trauma.
✔ Long-term damage, including nerve injuries and scarring.
Start Your Claim Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog and are unsure about your legal rights, we’re here to help. Contact our expert team at Ison Harrison for free legal advice and find out how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
- call us now on 0113 2247851
- email: [email protected]
- fill in the contact form on this page
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.