If you have been bitten by a dog and you are thinking about making a claim, then you are probably wondering how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Making a claim for a dog bite is a straightforward process, but you need to know who the dog owner is to bring your claim forward. If you have not done so already, you should make a police report, so that the police can look into the attack on your behalf.
Here’s some information about dog bites and compensation amounts – however, bear in mind that all claims are different, so you may be owed less or more than covered below:
Compensation pay-out guidelines
The Judicial Studies Board has set out guidelines for compensation pay-outs related to dog bites, and these guidelines offer come clarity for claimants.
The guidelines state that a pay-out of between £5,430 to £16,250 is fair for dog bite injuries which cause a number of noticeable laceration scars or a single disfiguring scar. They also state that a pay-out of between £1,680 and £5,430 is fair for dog bite injuries which cause a number of superficial scars or some minor cosmetic scars.
When determining a pay-out for a client, a lawyer will look to these guidelines. However, these guidelines do not take into account individual circumstances. They do not take into account, for example, any mental health issues brought on by a dog attack nor do they take into account medical rehabilitation setbacks, such as infection.
Another thing that must be taken into account when determining a compensation amount for dog bite is the placement of any injuries.
Injuries to areas of the body which are uncovered in public will receive a higher pay-out. Examples include injuries to the face, neck and head, and also to the hands and arms. Long-term damage caused by a dog bite, such as nerve damage, will also result in a much higher than average pay-out due to the affect it will have on the victim’s quality of life.
How much could I be owed?
The minimum pay-out you can expect for a dog bite is around £1,000. This is for minor injuries which result in scarring and trauma. However, you can also claim compensation for lost income and out of pocket expenses related to your attack. This compensation is called special damages, and it could add several thousand pounds to your settlement demand. You can claim back travel expenses, medical expenses and lost income including overtime.
However, to claim special damages, you must show receipts for expenses and wage slips or other proof of lost income. Without these, you cannot realistically claim special damages.