When a Child Is Bitten by a Friend’s Dog: What to Do

Dog bites involving children are distressing and can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. When the dog belongs to a friend or someone close, the situation becomes even more sensitive. At Ison Harrison, our expert personal injury solicitors understand the complexities of these cases and offer compassionate, practical legal support to help families secure the compensation they deserve.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite

Under the Animals Act 1971, dog owners in England and Wales can be held legally responsible if their dog causes injury, especially if the dog has shown aggressive behaviour before or belongs to a breed known for risk.

If your child has been bitten by a friend’s dog, you may be entitled to claim compensation for:

• Physical injuries and scarring
• Psychological trauma
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Loss of earnings (if you’ve had to take time off work to care for your child)
• Travel expenses and other out-of-pocket costs

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite Incident?

Taking the right steps immediately after the incident can strengthen your claim:

• Seek medical attention – even minor bites can lead to infection.
• Report the incident to your local council’s dog warden or the police.
• Document everything – take photographs of injuries, keep medical records, and note any witnesses.
• Avoid confrontation – maintain a civil relationship with the dog owner, but don’t feel pressured to drop the matter.

Making a Claim Against a Friend or Acquaintance

We understand that making a claim against someone you know can feel uncomfortable. However, in most cases, compensation is paid through the dog owner’s home or pet insurance, not out of their own pocket. This means you can pursue justice for your child without damaging personal relationships.

At Ison Harrison, we handle these claims with discretion and sensitivity, ensuring your child’s welfare remains the priority.

Why Choose Ison Harrison?

• Trusted, expert personal injury solicitors with decades of experience
• No win, no fee representation available
• Lexcel-accredited for excellence in legal practice
• Proven track record in securing compensation for dog bite victims

How We Can Help

We’ll assess your case, explain your options in plain English, and guide you through the claims process from start to finish. Our goal is to make things easier for you during a difficult time.

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

📞 Call: 0113 224 7851
📧 [email protected]
📝 Fill in the contact form on this page
📅 Book a call back at your convenience