Dog Bite Claims: Bitten or Attacked by a Dog and What You Can Claim
A dog bite claim is a personal injury claim against the owner or keeper of a dog that bit, attacked or knocked you over, usually paid by the owner's home or pet insurance; the law makes owners responsible where they knew the dog could be dangerous or failed to keep it under control, the claim must normally start within three years, and National Accident Support Line assesses whether you have a claim and refers it to a specialist solicitor with a callback within 2 minutes.
Dog bites are more serious than most people admit at the time. A bite to the hand or forearm means stitches, infection risk, scarring, and often weeks of not being able to work. A bite to a child's face means surgery and a scar that lasts. And a large dog does not need to bite to injure: being knocked to the ground by one is a common cause of wrist and hip fractures. The owner is responsible in more cases than owners realise, and their insurance pays.
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
When a dog owner is responsible
Two routes. Under the Animals Act 1971, the keeper of a dog is liable for injury it causes where the dog had characteristics that made it likely to cause that kind of harm, and the keeper knew it: a dog that had bitten or lunged before, a dog known to be aggressive around children or other dogs, a breed or individual with a known history. Under ordinary negligence, an owner is liable where they failed to take reasonable care: letting a dog off the lead where it should not have been, leaving a gate open, letting a dog run at people, not controlling a dog they knew was excitable. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, a dog being dangerously out of control in public or private is a criminal offence, and a conviction is strong evidence in a civil claim. The claim is paid by the owner's home contents or pet insurance in most cases.
What a dog bite claim covers
The injury itself: the wound, the infection, the scarring and any lasting effect. Psychological injury, which is common after a dog attack and is claimable in its own right, particularly for children. Lost earnings, treatment, travel and care. Damaged clothing and belongings. Where the injury is a fracture from being knocked over, the recovery from that.
Where dog attacks happen and who answers for them
| Situation | Who is responsible | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bitten by a pet in the street or park | The owner or keeper | Paid by their home or pet insurance; report to the police |
| Bitten by a dog at someone's home | The owner or keeper | Same; the relationship makes people reluctant, but the insurer pays, not the friend |
| Knocked over by a dog off the lead | The owner | A large dog jumping up or running into someone is a control failure |
| Bitten at work: delivery, care, postal, veterinary | The dog's owner, and sometimes the employer | Employers must assess the risk of dogs on the round or in the home |
| Bitten by a dog with a known history | The owner or keeper | Animals Act liability; the history is the evidence |
| Stray or unidentified dog, serious injury | Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority | Where the attack was a crime and there is no owner to claim against |
| Bitten by a police or security dog | The force or the company | Different rules apply; a specialist advises |
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
The situations people describe to us
"It was a friend's dog and I don't want to fall out"
The claim is against their insurance, not them. Most home contents policies include liability for the family dog, and a claim on it is no different from a claim for a leaking pipe. Many people make the claim and stay friends.
"The owner says the dog has never done that before"
Then the claim runs on negligence rather than the dog's history: whether the dog was on a lead where it should have been, whether the owner had it under control, whether they let it approach you. A dog that bites without warning in a public place was, by definition, not under control.
"My child was bitten in the face"
Get it treated the same day; facial bites often need plastic surgery. A parent claims on the child's behalf, the three-year limit does not start until the child is 18, and the scarring is assessed once it has settled, which can take a year or more.
"I'm a delivery driver and it happens all the time"
The owner is responsible, and your employer has a duty to assess the risk of dogs on your round. Report every incident, because a pattern of reports is evidence in both directions.
What to do after a dog bite
Clean the wound and get it seen the same day; dog bites infect easily and A&E will assess whether you need antibiotics or a tetanus booster. Get the owner's name and address if you can, and the dog's description. Photograph the injury and the dog. Take the names of witnesses. Report the bite to the police, which creates a record and matters if the dog attacks again. Keep receipts and a note of every day off. Then get in touch.
How a dog bite claim works with National Accident Support Line
Tell us what happened, by the form, WhatsApp or a call to 0333 212 2730, and web enquiries are called back within 2 minutes during opening hours. We ask where it happened, whose dog it was, whether it was reported and what the injury is. If there is a claim, we refer it to a specialist solicitor who runs it on a no win no fee basis. If there isn't, we tell you straight. NASL is an FCA-regulated claims management company, not a law firm. Injuries in parks, streets and other places you don't control are covered on our accident in a public place claims page, and the personal injury claims guide explains what every injury claim involves.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for a dog bite?
Yes, where the owner knew the dog could be dangerous or failed to keep it under control. The claim is paid by the owner's home or pet insurance.
Who pays for a dog bite claim?
The owner's insurer in most cases. Where the dog was a stray and the attack was a crime, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority may pay.
Can I claim if I was bitten by a friend's or relative's dog?
Yes. The claim is against their home insurance, not against them personally.
Can I claim for a dog knocking me over?
Yes. Being knocked down by a dog that was not under control is a claim in the same way as a bite.
How long do I have to claim?
Three years from the date of the bite. For a child, three years from their 18th birthday.
Should I report a dog bite to the police?
Yes. It creates a record, it can support the claim, and it matters if the dog attacks someone else.
Can I claim for scarring?
Yes. Scarring, particularly to the face and hands, is assessed once it has settled and forms part of the injury claim.
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
National Accident Support Line Ltd is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of regulated claims management activities, registration number 829991.