One of the most common questions we get asked at the outset of the claim is ‘What is the average compensation for a dog bite and how much is my claim worth?’
This is entirely understandable; you are making a claim for compensation so it`s only natural that you will want to know what your claim is worth.
At the outset, it can be difficult to give you a precise valuation of your claim. We value your claim based upon your injuries, and how they have affected you, and what the expert medical evidence says which we will obtain on your behalf.
That said, there are parameters which we work around based upon the following factors:
- The extent of your injury;
- The impact your injuries have on your day to day life and for how long you are affected by these; The degree of any scarring;
- Any psychological or mental trauma that you suffer as a result of the attack;
- Any other factors personal and specific to your personal situation.
Your claim for compensation for a dog bite injury is split into two main parts:
1. General damages
General damages are also known as the compensation which you receive for your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (PSLA) as a result of any injury.
General damages can include physical injuries such as damage to the tendons and nerves as a result of a dog bite. You can also claim for any visible injuries such as any scarring as a result of the attack. In addition, if there are any psychological issues resulting from the incident then these too will fall to be calculated as part of your ‘general damages` claim.
To support your claim for general damages we will seek to obtain a medical report. We will arrange for you to attend a medical appointment with a specialist located within your area. The specialist will review your medical records and following an examination of you, will prepare a medico-legal report.
The report will set out what injuries you suffered, how these were sustained, the impact these have had upon you and how long you are likely to continue suffering. This is known as the prognosis.
Once you have approved the medical report, we will send you our valuation and advise you regarding settlement options. We refer to past case law and guidelines issued by the judiciary when we value your claim.
2. Special Damages
In addition to your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity we will also look to recover any financial losses which you have sustained.
This can include lost income if you are unable to work due to your accident-related injuries or need time off work for treatment at a later date.
Sometimes with dog bite injuries there can be scarring which can be remedied by means of surgery or camouflage make-up. Again, the costs of these can be recovered from the third party`s insurers.
Incidental financial losses that can be claimed include over-the-counter medication and transportation costs for treatment.
We can also seek to recover costs in relation to gratuitous care. Gratuitous care is the help and assistance you received from family and friends while you are recovering from your injuries. You can claim for this even though you may not have paid for such assistance.
Claim the compensation that you deserve.
Our expert lawyers will obtain all the evidence that is required to ensure that you receive the best level of compensation that you deserve.
Your claim can be dealt with on a no win-no fee basis
Start your claim today and find out what your dog bite claim is worth.
For a review and assessment of your dog bite claim get in touch with us today:
- Call: 0113 224 7851
- Email: [email protected]
- Fill in the contact form on this page
