If you have ever been bitten by a dog, you will understand how traumatic it can be. Not only is it an awful experience but it can leave you scarred for life – both mentally and physically. You may never be able to go near a dog again as the experience has left you too scared.
Is there anything I can do?
It is horrible to have been bitten by a dog especially if the attack was unprovoked. Many people don’t always think about placing a dog bite claim; but you could have a potential claim for compensation. If your child has been bitten, you are quite within your rights to place a claim on behalf of your child.
It’s always best to record the circumstances of the accident. Try and state as many facts as possible, try and record the date and time of the incident; what happened and why? It’s always a good idea to attend hospital or you’re GP – that way your medical notes will aid your claim for compensation.
It’s also an idea to keep a record of any expenses you might have incurred as a result of the attack, things such as prescription fees, loss of earnings, travel expenses etc. You can claim these expenses back in your final settlement figure. Always try and keep all receipts for proof.
Who should I place my claim with?
You will need to place your claim with a specialist personal injury lawyer; it’s best to choose an independent firm of expert solicitors. There are a lot of help line companies around and a lot of websites who claim to be professionals when actually they are claims referral companies. Always be very careful when choosing the company for you – the claims referral companies will sell your claim on to their highest bidding firm. This means that straight away your claim has dropped in value because the firm has had to pay a referral fee.
Once you have chosen the best firm for you, the details of your accident will be recorded and a letter of claim will be sent out to the other side on your behalf.
