Football legend and current Argentina world cup coach Diego Maradona has undergone surgery after being attacked by a dog. The dog, believed to be Maradona’s own pet, bit him on the face leaving him requiring 10 stitches.
The number of dog bites in the UK is increasing every year with NHS figures showing that there were over 3,500 attacks by dogs in 2008 ranging from minor bites and scratches to serious wounds and in some cases even death. Many attacks are now being attributed to non-illegal breeds and family pets and the RSPCA has stated that the Dangerous Dogs Act now needs to be changed to try and curb the increase in attacks which has actually tripled since the act came into force in 1991.
BBC news reported (source) on the 28/4/2010 that a 2 year old girl was bitten by a dog leaving her with scratches and injuries to her face. The girl had been bitten when the dog turned aggressive whilst the girl was playing in Howden Park, East Yorkshire where dogs are actually banned. Police in East Yorkshire are continuing investigations into the attack.
Dog attacks can result in serious injuries, both physical and psychological, particularly in attacks against children. Young children are more likely to suffer serious injuries and it is important that they are not left unattended even with a dog that has never shown aggressive tendencies previously. Most cases of dog bites and attacks involving children are by dogs which have been provoked by the child who was trying to play with it.
Anyone who suffers injuries as a result of the negligence and carelessness of another person is entitled to claim compensation; and this is the same if a dog owner’s negligence has led to someone being attacked and injured by their dog. If you or your child have been injured in a dog attack then you may be able to claim compensation from the owner of the dog or through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (see our dog bite claims page for more details on what to do) and it is vital that you seek advice immediately from specialist personal injury lawyers such as ourselves who will give you free, comprehensive advice and fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
