A dog bite in a park, on a street, or in another public place can be both frightening and life-changing. Alongside painful physical injuries, victims are often left dealing with psychological trauma, anxiety, and concerns about ongoing treatment costs and lost earnings.
If you have suffered a dog bite in a public place, it is important to understand your rights. In many cases, it may be possible to bring a dog bite claim against the person responsible for the dog.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog in a Public Place?
Dog owners and keepers have a legal duty to ensure their animals are properly controlled. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is a criminal offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place.
The person responsible may not always be the dog’s owner. Liability may rest with:
- The dog’s owner
- A family member walking the dog
- A professional dog walker
- Someone temporarily looking after the dog
The key question is often who had control of the dog at the time of the attack.
For example, if a dog escapes its lead in a public park and bites a jogger, the person walking the dog may be responsible, even if they do not own it.
Dog Bites in Parks and Shared Spaces
Public parks are among the most common locations for dog attacks. Shared spaces often bring together dog walkers, runners, cyclists, children and families, increasing the risk of incidents.
Examples include:
- An off-lead dog attacking a child in a playground area
- A dog biting a runner on a public footpath
- A dog attacking another person while being walked through a residential estate
- An aggressive dog escaping from a garden and attacking someone on the pavement
Every case depends on its individual circumstances, but evidence showing poor control of the dog can be important in establishing liability.
Identifying the Dog’s Keeper
One of the biggest challenges following a dog bite is identifying the person responsible. Immediately after an incident, if it is safe to do so, try to obtain:
- The dog’s owner’s name and contact details
- Details of anyone walking the dog
- Witness names and contact information
- Photographs of the dog and location, and if appropriate, the owner/walker
- Details of any previous aggressive behaviour mentioned by witnesses
If the responsible person leaves without providing details, there may still be options. Local authorities, nearby businesses, residents and CCTV footage can sometimes help identify the dog and its keeper.
Gathering Evidence for a Dog Bite Claim
Strong evidence can significantly strengthen a dog bite claim.
Key evidence may include:
- Photographs of injuries
- Medical records and treatment notes
- Witness statements
- CCTV or doorbell camera footage
- Photographs of torn clothing or damaged property
- Details of financial losses, including lost earnings and travel expenses
It is also important to seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries initially appear minor. Medical records can provide valuable evidence of the injuries sustained.
What Compensation Could Be Available?
Compensation in a dog bite claim may include damages for:
- Physical injuries and scarring
- Psychological injuries, including anxiety and PTSD
- Loss of earnings
- Medical treatment expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Future losses in more serious cases
An experienced solicitor can assess the evidence and advise on the compensation that may be available in your particular circumstances.
How Ison Harrison Can Help
At Ison Harrison, our trusted, expert personal injury solicitors have extensive experience helping victims of dog attacks pursue compensation. We offer expert representation, a strong track record of securing compensation, and no win, no fee funding in appropriate cases.
As a Lexcel-accredited firm with offices throughout Yorkshire and beyond, we provide practical, supportive legal advice tailored to your situation.
Contact Our Dog Bite Claims Team Today
If you have suffered a dog bite in a park, on a street, or in another public place, early legal advice can help protect your position and preserve important evidence.
For a review and assessment of your dog bite claim get in touch with us today:
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.
Elizabeth West, a partner in the dog bite injury team at Ison Harrison Solicitors.
