£4,880 for mental trauma and scarring

At all material times, the Defendant was the keeper of a large husky-type dog being fostered by the Defendant from a Dog Rescue Centre.

On 21.07.2020 the Claimant was collecting glasses in the course of his employment in a public house when the dog jumped up and bit him on the top of his left thigh, causing the Claimant injury.

As a result of the attack, the Claimant suffered a dog bite injury to his upper outer left thigh. The bite went through his trousers. He went to hospital where the wound was cleaned and dressed, he was also given a tetanus booster and prescribed antibiotics. The wound was dressed for a week and gradually closed over a period of one month. The bite area remained painful for 2 months.

The Claimant alleged that the attack was caused by the negligence of the Defendant.

A report was obtained from a consultant in A&E Medicine.  The consultant stated that the Claimant had sustained a dog bit, with the injuries healing in a month, but he had been left with a prominent scar and had also become wary when around dogs, recommending further medical evidence be obtained from a Plastic Surgeon and Psychiatrist.

In light of the recommendations, expert nominations in the fields of Psychiatry and Plastic Surgery were obtained and provided to the Defendant and no objections were raised.

A report was obtained from a Consultant Plastic and Hand Surgeon, who stated that the Claimant has ongoing scarring, measuring approximately 4.5cm by 4cm, which was a bruised mauve colour. The ongoing bruising indicates there was likely bleeding into the fat of his upper thigh and probably damage to the fat. It is likely the bruised appearance will fade further with the passage of time, but it is possible he will have a permanent mark on the upper posterior left thigh.

A report was obtained from a Consultant Psychiatrist who stated t the Claimant had suffered a Psychiatric Disorder of Situational Anxiety caused by the incident, which resolved within 6-9 months of the incident.

The Defendant made an offer in the sum of £4,880.00. Instructions were obtained and the Claimant accepted the offer.