Physical injury and mental trauma attracts an award of £8000

We represented the Claimant in proceedings brought against the Defendant for damages for personal injuries and losses arising out of a dog bite incident.

The Claimant was employed at the property by the Defendant, as a domestic cleaner. The Defendant was an owner and a keeper of a dog named ‘Achilles’, a long-haired miniature Dachshund.

On 30.09.2019 the Claimant was at the property as part of her employment by the Defendant as a domestic cleaner.  The Claimant went into the kitchen of the property in order to commence cleaning it.  After hearing the Defendant returning home, the dog chased the Claimant around the kitchen and then bit the Claimant on her right ankle and lower leg and her left hand.

As a result of the attack, the Claimant sustained dog bite injuries to her right ankle and left hand in the attack, as well as the development of psychological symptoms and alleged that the injuries and associated losses were caused by the negligence and/or breach of statutory duty of the Defendant.

Medical evidence was obtained by way of a report from Mr Williams, a Consultant in A & E Medicine, which included a review of records. Mr Williams provided a report dated 25.08.2021. He opined that the Claimant had suffered dog bite injuries to her right ankle and left hand in the attack, the bite injuries from the attack included bites around the medial aspect of the right ankle, these bites became infected but eventually healed.  There was residual and permanent scarring, that caused the Claimant cosmetic embarrassment.  The scarring was more visible against the Claimant’s darker skin tone. The Claimant’s wounds at the left hand were less serious but had still resulted in ongoing scarring, which was expected to be permanent and was easily visible. Mr Williams recommended input from a Psychologist.

In light of Mr Williams’ recommendations, a Psychologist was instructed. Nominations were provided to the Defendant and no objections were raised. Dr Mushati was initially instructed. However, considering the lengthy timescale for an appointment, instructions were forwarded to Dr Church, Consultant Psychologist. Dr Church provided a report dated 30.03.2022. He opined that the Claimant suffered an adjustment reaction because of the attack and a Specific Phobia relating to dogs.  She suffered a panic attack in relation to a dog sniffing her about 2 months after the attack and she was very anxious.  She remained very self-conscious over the appearance of her scarring.

In July 2023 the Defendant made a Part 36 offer in the sum of £8,000.00 to conclude matters, this offer being accepted on 05.07.2023.