Dog attacks can be terrifying and traumatic, often leaving victims with serious physical injuries and long-lasting emotional scars. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in a violent incident, you may be wondering whether you can claim compensation especially if the dog’s owner is unknown or cannot be held accountable.
One potential route is through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). But how does it work, and do dog bite victims qualify?
What Is the CICA?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is a government-run scheme that provides compensation to victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales. It’s designed to support people who have suffered serious physical or psychological harm as a result of a criminal act.
Can Dog Attacks Qualify as a Criminal Injury?
In some cases, yes but not all dog attacks will meet the criteria.
To be eligible for a CICA claim, the attack must involve a criminal offence. This could include:
- A dog being deliberately set on you by its owner
- An attack where the owner was recklessly or knowingly in control of a dangerous dog
- Incidents where the dog was used as a weapon during an assault
If the attack was accidental or the dog escaped without the owner’s knowledge, a CICA claim is unlikely to succeed. In those cases, a civil personal injury claim against the dog’s owner may be more appropriate and Ison Harrison can help with both routes.
CICA Dog Bite Claim Criteria
To claim through the CICA, you must:
- Report the incident to the police as soon as possible
- Cooperate fully with the police investigation
- Submit your claim within 2 years of the incident (exceptions apply for children or exceptional circumstances)
- Show that the injury was serious enough to meet the CICA’s minimum award threshold (currently £1,000)
What Can You Claim For?
If successful, a CICA claim may cover:
- Physical and psychological injuries subject to the multiple award scheme
- Loss of earnings (if you were unable to work for more than 28 weeks; payment is at SSP level)
- Special expenses (e.g. medical treatment, care costs)
However, CICA awards are often lower than those achieved through civil claims. That’s why it’s important to speak to a solicitor who can advise on the best route for your situation.
Why Choose Ison Harrison?
At Ison Harrison, we are trusted, expert personal injury solicitors with a strong track record in securing compensation for dog bite victims. We offer:
- No win, no fee representation
- Clear, compassionate legal advice
- Offices across Yorkshire and beyond
- Expertise in both CICA and civil claims
We’ll assess your case and help you understand your rights whether that’s through the CICA or a direct claim against the dog’s owner.
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
Book a call back at your convenience
Dog Bite Claims
The most common claim types that we handle for our clients
Claim type not listed? Get in touch for a free assessment of your dog bite injury claim.
Mike Massen, a partner in the dog bite injury team at Ison Harrison Solicitors.
