How Long Will It Take To Bring My Dog Bite Claim?

This is a question we get asked at lot and the answer is usually the same. At the outset of any personal injury claim, it is always very difficult to say with absolute accuracy as to how long it will take. This is as the same for a dog bite claim as it is to say, an accident at work.

There are many variables as to how long it will take to settle a claim. If liability is admitted early and the injuries are not too serious then settlement is likely to occur more quickly than if liability is in dispute and the injuries are more serious.

If there is no insurance then the claim will be over very quickly as, in all likelihood, we will discontinue the claim.

Every claim is different, but we will be here for you every step of the way.

Our solicitors have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to ensure that your case is dealt with in a thorough and professional manner. It is our job and our responsibility to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

General timeframes for your dog bite claim

If a claim is brought against an individual dog owner as opposed to where the dog owner is a company or public authority, then it is dealt with under what is known as the Personal Injury Pre-action Protocol. Under the Protocol, following notification of a claim, the owner’s insurers have three months in which to respond with a decision regarding liability.

If liability is admitted then, subject to the extent of your recovery from your injuries, we will obtain medical evidence in the form of a report from an independent, court approved medical expert. This report will allow us to support you value your injuries.

If liability is denied, then we will review the evidence disclosed in support of the denial. We will seek your instructions and advise you accordingly.

It may be that your opponent has a solid defence, and we are unable to pursue the matter further. If this is the case then as long as you have kept to your obligations under the Agreement, you will not be charged for the work we have done on your behalf.

If we believe that your claim still has prospects of success even though liability is denied, then we shall continue to pursue your claim on your behalf. We shall gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim and if need be, we will pursue the matter through to court.

How long do I have to bring my dog bite claim?

A dog bite claim is treated the same as any personal injury claim and as such you have three years from the date of the incident to issue court proceedings in support of your claim.

If the injured party is a minor (i.e. under the age of 18) at the time of the attack, then the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday effectively by their 21^st birthday. It is always best to bring a claim as soon as you can. If you wait too long, then there may be issues with tracking down the owner or witnesses who may be able to support your claim.

If the injured party lacks the capacity to conduct proceedings due to mental incapacity, then there are no specified time limits in place. The 3-year time limit only applies when the person regains mental capacity. If a person lacks capacity, they need someone else to bring the claim on their behalf. This person is known as a “Litigation Friend”.

The courts do have the discretion to extend the three-year time limit but only in exceptional circumstances. You should always look to begin your claim as soon as possible as this will give you the best chance of a successful outcome and ensures that, for example, witness evidence is obtained while recollections are still fresh.

The three-year time limit runs from the date of the incident even if you don’t know the owner of the dog.

Start your claim today

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

If we can assist, we can do so on a no win-no fee basis. This means that subject to your compliance with our terms and conditions, if the claim is not successful you do not pay for the work we have done.