Dog Bite

In the last ten years, animal attacks concerning dog bites have risen by 50% and more than 4,500 people were admitted to hospital in England alone after suffering from a dog attacks/bites in 2006/07. Dog bites are reported all over the media everyday, world wide. They can be caused by numerous factors such as a dog’s poor breeding, lack of socialisation, fear and absence of control, however more often than none the reason behind a dog bite is the inability of people to understand the canine body language.

In 1991 and revised in 1997 the dangerous dogs act banned the ownership of certain breeds of dog; the pit bull, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Brasileiro and their cross breeds. In order to be a legal keeper of one of these breeds you need a certificate of exemption, granted only after the animal was neutered, insurance, the dog needs to be tattooed with an exemption code and implanted with a transponder. In 2005 there were 929 prosecutions under the dangerous dog’s act; however any breed can be trained to attack so the use of the dangerous dogs act isn’t really putting a stop to animal attacks concerning dog bites.

If you are unfortunate enough to become the victim of a dog bite it is vital that you seek medical attention even if your injury only appears to be a surface wound. Dog bits can be highly infectious as they contain a lot more bacteria than it was originally thought. Dog bites can lead to infections and if left untreated can even cause death; there are about 20 deaths each year due to infections that develop as a result of a dog bite.

If you are facing a situation that is likely to result in falling victim to an animal attack in the form of a dog bite there are certain things that you should do to try and defuse the situation. Never run away from a dog that is demonstrating aggression towards you, it is a dog’s natural instinct to chase it’s pray. Never scream, if a dog can sense fear the aggression will increase as the dog will feel control. Never turn your back on a dog that is aggressive towards you and always stand still to show that you aren’t afraid and lastly if you fear that a dog is going to try and attack you, hold your hands in the air as your hands and arms are the first point of attack for a dog.

Animal Attacks and dog bites usually affect children the most. A child doesn’t realise and understand a dog’s behaviour this is why it is important to never leave your child alone with a dog and never let your child approach a dog without first assessing the dog’s behaviour. If a dog appears busy, bored, and ill or is tied up you should be cautious about allowing your child to approach this dog as disturbing it may cause a violent reaction.

Dogs should be introduced to lots of people and other animals as soon as possible in order for the dog to be used to people, creating a friendly relaxed personality.

Becoming the victim of an animal attack such as a dog bite can leave you with serious physical and mental scars. If you have become the victim of an animal attack such as a dog bite in the last three years you could be entitled to compensation. Personal injury compensation can cover aspects such as any medical expenses, travelling expenses as well as compensation for the injuries and suffering that you have endured.

It is important if you are hoping to claim compensation after an animal attack involving a dog bite that you find out if the dog has any history of aggression as well as taking down the names and contact details of any witnesses to the attack.

Here at Accident Consultant we are experts in personal injury compensation. We have many years of experience in dealing with personal injury compensation claims concerning animal attacks such as dog bites.

If you would like to put in a claim for compensation then call us today on 08081 68 69 70 and speak to one of our advisors to set up your free consultation. Alternatively fill in our online claim form to the right of this page and one of our expert advisors will get back to you.

For more information bout claiming after an animal attack that wasn't your fault then visit our main site for more information of Dog Bite Compensation Claims.