CICA Claims for a Dog Bite

Dog attacks can be deeply traumatic, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and long-term consequences. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be wondering whether you can claim compensation — especially if the owner cannot be identified or prosecuted.

In some cases, victims of dog attacks may be eligible to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This government-run scheme provides compensation to people who have been physically or mentally injured as a result of a violent crime in England, Wales, or Scotland.

When Does a Dog Attack Qualify for a CICA Claim?

Not all dog bites are eligible under the CICA scheme. To qualify, the attack must meet specific criteria:

• The dog was deliberately used to cause harm, for example, as a weapon in an assault.
• The attack was part of a criminal act, such as an unlawful threat or robbery.
• The owner has been prosecuted or there is sufficient evidence of criminal intent. This is looked at on a balance of probability i.e. is it more likely than not that you were the victim of a crime of violence.

If the dog simply acted aggressively without provocation or criminal involvement, a civil claim against the owner may be more appropriate.

Key Requirements for a CICA Dog Bite Claim

To make a successful claim through CICA, you must:

• Report the incident to the police as soon as possible; ideally within 48 hours.
• Cooperate fully with the police investigation.
• Submit your claim within two years of the incident (exceptions may apply for children or vulnerable adults).
• Provide medical evidence of your injuries and any psychological impact.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

CICA compensation is based on a tariff system. You may be awarded for:

• Physical injuries (e.g. scarring, nerve damage)
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of earnings: if you are unable to work as a result of the incident for a period in excess of 28 weeks-payment is made at week 29 at the current rate of SSP.
• Special expenses (e.g. medical treatment not covered by the NHS)

What If You Don’t Qualify for CICA?

If the attack doesn’t meet the criminal criteria, you may still be able to pursue a civil claim against the dog’s owner. Ison Harrison can help you explore both options and advise on the best route for securing compensation.

Why Choose Ison Harrison?

At Ison Harrison, we are trusted, expert personal injury solicitors with a strong track record in dog bite claims. We offer:

• No win, no fee representation
• Local offices across Yorkshire and beyond
• Lexcel-accredited service
• Compassionate, practical advice tailored to your situation

We understand how distressing dog attacks can be — and we’re here to help you move forward.

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
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