Bitten on the face resulting in scarring and adjustment disorder £23,000

Instructions were received from the client in relation to a dog bite that occurred as the client was a lawful visitor to the Defendant’s home. The client was acting in the course of her employment as a care worker and was walking between the Defendant’s kitchen and lounge where the Defendant’s dog was lying down on a footstool. As the client stroked the dog, it suddenly jumped up and attacked the client’s face.

Claimfordogbite.co.uk was instructed as the client suffered bite and scratching injuries to the face, bruising around the right eye, swelling to the right side of her face, tissue damage, and a consequential infection that required antibiotic treatment.

The client’s full claim was set out by Claimfordogbite.co.uk and liability was promptly admitted by the Defendant’s Insurers, albeit they considered that the client was contributorily negligent in her actions in stroking the dog.

The client’s full medical records were obtained and considered, and medical evidence was obtained from a Consultant in Emergency Medicine, a Psychiatrist, a Plastic Surgeon, and a Camouflage Expert.

The medical evidence detailed the client’s injuries and confirmed that the client had sustained permanent scarring and an Adjustment Disorder, amongst other injuries. As the client had clearly been affected by the incident and therefore CBT treatment was arranged to facilitate her recovery.

The evidence was disclosed, and the Defendant’s Insurers made an offer to settle the whole of the claim in the sum of £23,000.00. Counsel was instructed to ensure that this was at the top end of what may be awarded at Court for the claim on a full basis (i.e not with the alleged contributory negligence applied as suggested by the Defendant at the outset).

Upon confirmation that the sum of £23,000.00 was fair Claimfordogbite.co.uk concluded the claim without the need for Court proceedings.