Claim Against Public Body for Dog Injury

If you were bitten by a dog owned, managed or mishandled, or generally under the care and responsibility by a public authority such as the police, military, prison service or local council you may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim against that organisation.

At Ison Harrison Solicitors, we have experience in dealing with complex, high-level claims involving public sector defendants. These cases often require a clear understanding of statutory duties, procedural rules, and public law obligations, which we are well-placed to provide.

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

Who Can You Claim Against?

Dog bite injuries caused by public body dogs may involve animals used in the course of official duties, or dogs that are in the temporary care or custody of an authority. These claims can arise from:

• Police dog attacks, including during crowd control, arrests or searches. This can include innocent bystanders as well as those directly involved
• Military or Ministry of Defence dogs, including training accidents or off-duty attacks
• Prison service dog bites, officers or prison staff attacked by service dogs that were poorly trained or provoked. Claims can also be brought by prisoners if there has been a failure to follow protocol or policy
• Local authority dogs, members of the public attacked by dogs seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act but inadequately secured
• Council or housing association dogs, if owned by tenants in publicly managed housing where complaints or risk warnings were ignored

In each case, the question is whether the public body failed in its duty of care or allowed a preventable incident to occur through negligence, inadequate training, or a breach of policy.

What Legal Principles Apply?

Claims against public bodies are brought under the same basic principles of negligence as other personal injury claims.  This means that a personal injury negligence claim requires the claimant to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, caused the injury, and that actual harm or loss was suffered as a result.

In addition to the above requirement, claims against a public authority often involve:

• Breach of statutory duty, where a public body has failed to comply with specific legal obligations
• Failure to follow procedure or policy, such as inadequate handling protocols or use of force policies
• Vicarious liability, where the organisation is held responsible for the acts of its employees or agents
• Human rights considerations, in certain cases involving disproportionate force or breaches of Article 3 (protection from inhuman or degrading treatment)

We can help you assess whether a legal duty has been breached and what evidence is required to support your claim.

What Can You Claim For?

If successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Physical injuries (bites, scarring, muscle and tissue injury and the like)
• Psychological harm, including trauma, anxiety and PTSD
• Loss of earnings if you have been unable to work
• Future care and rehabilitation costs
• Medical treatment, travel and other associated expenses

We ensure that every part of your injury and its impact on your life is assessed and reflected in your claim.

Challenges in Public Body Claims – and How We Help

Claims involving public authorities can be more complex due to:

• Legal immunity arguments or reliance on public interest defences
• Complicated internal investigations and redacted documentation
• The need for detailed evidence of policy failures or procedural breaches
• Tight deadlines under pre-action protocols or judicial review rules (in some cases)

We navigate these hurdles by taking a strategic, evidence-led approach by identifying the correct defendant, preserving time limits, and instructing experts where necessary. If the incident gives rise to a potential Human Rights Act claim, we can advise on parallel remedies under that framework.

Why Choose Ison Harrison Solicitors for a Claim Against a Public Authority?

We understand that going up against a public body can feel daunting. Our team is here to provide expert, supportive guidance – ensuring you understand your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. We bring together personal injury experience with public law insight to deliver a comprehensive and client-focused service.

Clients instruct us because:

• We are specialists in complex dog bite litigation
• We have experience with claims involving police, councils and MOD
• We operate on a No Win, No Fee basis where appropriate
• We provide clear, practical advice without legal jargon
• We handle your claim with professional care from start to finish

You do not have to take on a public authority alone; we are here to support and represent you.

Speak to Our Legal Team Today

If you have been injured by a dog under the control of a public body, don’t hesitate to seek advice.

For a review and assessment of your dog bite claim get in touch with us today. You can call us on 0113 224 7851 or email [email protected]. We also offer a free call back service.

We’ll provide a free, confidential assessment of your case and explain your legal options with clarity and care.