Animal Injury Claims

An animal attack can be a traumatic experience with serious consequences. Besides severe physical injuries, it can have a profound psychological impact and result in anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional harm. Additionally, such incidents often result in financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and care costs.

If you suffered an injury due to an animal owner’s fault or other type of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and related losses. Some common causes of animal injury claims include dog attacks, accidents at horse riding centres and road traffic accidents caused by livestock.

To find out if you may be entitled to claim, call the freephone 0800 470 0474 or request a callback. You will receive a free case assessment with no obligation to proceed.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• What is the law regarding animals?
• Can I make a claim if I was attacked by an animal?
• What type of accidents could result in animal injury compensation claims?
• Common injuries caused by an animal attack or accident
• Who may be liable for compensation if I'm injured by an animal?
• What evidence do I need to make an animal injury compensation claim?
• Can I make an animal injury claim on behalf of my child?
• Time limits to start an animal attack claim
• How much compensation can I claim for injuries caused by animals?
• How long will my personal injury claim take?
• Will my personal injury solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis?

What is the law regarding animals?

Based on the circumstances of your accident, there are several laws regarding animals that may apply to your case:

• The Animals Act 1971 holds the owner of an animal strictly liable for damage or injury caused by their animal, especially if it has known dangerous characteristics.
• The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits the ownership of certain breeds and types of dogs deemed dangerous, such as Pit Bull Terriers. It also includes provisions for dealing with any dog that is dangerously out of control in public or private places.
• The Control of Dogs Order 1992 requires dogs to wear a collar with the name and address of the owner engraved or written on it while in a public place.
• The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 requires that zoos follow specific standards for the care and accommodation of animals in zoos and covers the safety of visitors and staff.
• The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 requires individuals who wish to keep wild animals as pets to obtain a license from their local authority and keep them in conditions that are not a risk to the public.

If you were injured by an animal at work or during a sporting event, liability may be assessed based on several other legislations. These include the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or the Occupiers Liability Act 1957.

Can I make a claim if I was attacked by an animal?

If you were attacked by an animal due to someone else’s fault, a solicitor can help you make an animal injury claim. Before taking on your case, they will verify whether:

• Another party, which will be the defendant in your case, owed you a duty of care;
• They breached this duty by failing to keep their animal under control;
• You sustained injuries as a result.

Your solicitor will be able to establish a duty of care and liability based on the legislation mentioned above. They will also send a letter of claim to the defendant to inform them of your intentions. You can start negotiating your compensation payment if the other side admits negligence. If they deny it, your solicitor will issue court proceedings and help you gather all the evidence you need to argue your case before a judge successfully. That is rarely the case, as more than 95% of all personal injury claims are settled out of court.

What type of accidents could result in animal injury compensation claims?

Accidents and attacks involving animals are not uncommon and can manifest in various ways. From incidents in domestic settings to attacks in public places or at work, multiple situations can lead to an animal injury claim. These include:

• Dog bite claims. Most animal injury claims in the UK are related to dog attacks. In 2023, the police recorded 30,539 offences of a dog injuring a person, a dramatic increase from 18,527 incidents in 2018. Dog attacks can result in severe injuries and permanent disfigurement.
• Road traffic accidents.  Animals such as livestock can cause accidents and injuries to drivers, passengers, motorbike riders and cyclists if they end up on roads.
• Horse riding accidents. Such incidents may include falls, trampling, or being thrown from the horse, leading to broken bones, head injuries, or spinal trauma.
• Livestock accidents. Livestock such as pigs or cattle can cause severe injuries to farmers, visitors, and members of the public. These may include being kicked, crushed, or trampled, leading to fractures, internal injuries, or even amputations.
• Zoo and wildlife park accidents. Without adequate safety measures, visitors or staff may be bitten, scratched, or otherwise attacked by animals. Children are especially at risk, and specific measures must be taken to protect them.

Common injuries caused by an animal attack or accident

Attacks and accidents caused by animals can result in various types of injuries, including:

• Deep lacerations. Dog bites or kicks from hoofed animals like horses or cattle can tear the skin and cause deep injuries that risk infection.
• Permanent scars. Injuries from animal accidents can leave permanent scars, which can have a lasting physical and emotional impact.
• Fractures. Trampling, kicks, severe bites or road accidents caused by animals can result in broken bones in various body parts.
• Hand injuries. When attempting to fend off an animal attack, you may instinctively use your hands to protect yourself, resulting in puncture wounds, lacerations or crush injuries.
• Back injuries. Many animal incidents, such as falls, kicks, trampling, or road collisions, can cause back injuries ranging from bruises to spinal damage.
• Crushing injuries. Trampling by large animals such as horses or cattle, falling from a horse and other incidents can result in severe crush injuries to various body parts.
• Head injuries. Kicks, headbutts, or falling from a horse can result in head injuries such as concussions, facial fractures or severe brain trauma.
• Amputations. Severe bites from dogs, being stepped on by a horse or another large animal, and other incidents can result in traumatic amputations.
• Fatal injuries. In the most severe cases, accidents involving animals can cause fatal injuries.

Who may be liable for compensation if I’m injured by an animal?

If an animal attacked you, you may be able to make an animal injury claim from one of the following parties:

• The animal owner. The owner of the animal is typically the first person held liable for any injuries caused by their pet or livestock.
• The animal handler. If someone is temporarily in charge of an animal, such as a pet sitter, they can be held responsible if the animal causes harm while under their care.
• An event organiser. If you were injured while spectating or participating in a horse ride or another event with animals, the venue owner or event organiser may be liable for compensation.
• The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). You could claim through the CICA if a stray dog bit you or if someone used their animal as a weapon to cause you harm.
• The owner or occupier of premises. Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957, property owners and occupiers can be liable for injuries at zoos, farms, or equestrian centres.
• Your employer. You can make an accident at work claim if you were injured during your job and your employer failed to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

What evidence do I need to make an animal injury compensation claim?

To be able to claim compensation, you need evidence to prove another party’s negligence and the losses you incurred as a result, which could include:

• Detailed medical records of your injuries, treatments received and ongoing medical care;
• A formal report from a healthcare specialist outlining the extent of your injuries and the prognosis;
• Photos of your injuries immediately after the attack and during the recovery process;
• Visual evidence of the attack, the animal, and the scene where it occurred;
• The names and contact details of witnesses who can give a statement about how the attack occurred;
• If the authorities were involved, a police report can provide an official account of the incident;
• Proof of counselling or therapy sessions you needed to treat any psychological impact, such as PTSD or anxiety;
• The name and contact details of the animal owner and their insurance information;
• Your account of the attack and how it has affected your life;
• You also need proof of financial losses and expenses you want to include in your animal injury compensation claim.

Can I make an animal injury claim on behalf of my child?

If your child was injured by an animal, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation on their behalf. To represent them, you must apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend, providing evidence that:

• There is no conflict of interest between you.
• You can make fair and competent decisions about the claim.

If the court approves your request, you can start the animal attack claim with the help of an experienced solicitor. The claims process will be the same as with any other personal injury case. You will help your solicitor gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence and the related losses and will have several other responsibilities, which include:

• Approve and sign legal documents
• Liaise with solicitors and take legal advice
• Make decisions about the case that are in your child’s best interests
• Consider any compensation offers from the defendant
• Pay all the fees requested by the court

A judge must approve the awarded settlement during a court hearing if you win animal injury compensation for your child. The money will be kept in a court bank account and released to your child on their 18th birthday. Your solicitor can also help you set up a personal injury trust in their name. You can apply for early release of the funds if you need it to cover pressing financial needs, such as medical treatments.

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Time limits to start an animal attack claim

If you were attacked by an animal, you have three years to claim the compensation you deserve for your injuries. This deadline is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and cannot be surpassed, or your case will be statute-barred, and the court will no longer accept it. There are a few exceptions:

• A child injury claim can be made any time before the child’s 18th birthday, no matter when the animal accident occurred.
• If the claimant cannot start a claim due to PTSD or another condition such as autism, the time limit is put on hold until recovery or altogether suspended.
• You have two years from the date of the accident to start a claim through the CICA.

Regardless of your circumstances, starting your animal attack claim as soon as possible is best. That will ensure that evidence is more readily available, and you have the best chance of winning the maximum amount of compensation.

How much compensation can I claim for injuries caused by animals?

The compensation amount you could receive in a personal injury claim will be calculated based on two types of damages:

General damages cover the non-monetary impacts the incident has had on your life. The award for general damages will depend on the extent of your injuries and may include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Mental anguish and psychiatric damage
• Loss of amenities
• Reduced quality of life

Special damages are financial compensation for the monetary losses incurred as a result of your injuries, such as:

• Private treatments, prescriptions and other medical interventions
• Loss of earnings during recovery
• Reduced or lost earning capacity if you suffered serious injuries
• Care and assistance costs
• Modifications to your home or vehicle

Please call 0800 470 0474 or refer to our compensation calculator to learn more about how much compensation you could be entitled to.

How long will my personal injury claim take?

Each case is unique, and the time it may take to conclude will depend on several factors. These include:

• How severe your injuries are
• Whether the other party admits liability
• The time it takes to gather supporting evidence
• How much time negotiations will take
• Whether you must go to court

Generally, a straightforward animal injury claim where liability is accepted from the beginning could be settled within a few months. More complex cases, where liability is unclear or the claimant has suffered severe injuries, can take up to several years to conclude. Your personal injury solicitor will work hard to get the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.

Will my personal injury solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are entitled to claim compensation following an animal-related injury, you will receive a 100% no win no fee* service. This arrangement allows you to seek compensation without the financial risk associated with legal proceedings. Here’s how it works:

• You do not need to pay any legal fees upfront to start your claim.
• If your claim is successful, your solicitor will receive a success fee, which is a pre-agreed percentage of the compensation awarded (capped at 25%).
• If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay any legal fees to your solicitor. This provides peace of mind and ensures you do not incur financial losses if the case fails.

Furthermore, you will have After the Event (ATE) insurance, which is designed to cover legal costs if your claim is unsuccessful, including the defendant’s.

Do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation with a legal adviser to learn more about claiming animal injury compensation. Call 0800 470 0474 today or enter your details to request a callback.