Can I bring a personal Injury* claim if I have been attacked by a dog?

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Dog attacks can cause serious personal injuries* and, in many cases, can also result in the victim suffering serious psychological injuries.

Such attacks have been legislated for under Section 21 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986. This section provides that the owner of the dog shall be liable for the personal injuries* caused in an attack on any person by the dog. It is not necessary for the person bringing the personal injuries* claim to show that the dog had a previous mischievous propensity, or indeed to show that such injury was attributable to neglect on the part of the owner.

Such attacks are generally covered by the owner’s household insurance. However, it is not necessary for the attack to take place on the owner’s property. Therefore, if you have suffered personal injuries* as a result of an attack which happened outside of the owner’s property, the owner’s insurers are still liable to compensate you for the personal injuries* caused.

If you have suffered personal injuries* as a result of a dog attack, you should immediately do the following:

  1. Seek medical attention;
  2. Report the incident to the Gardaí;
  3. Attempt to identify the owners of the dog and report the incident to them;
  4. At the earliest possible opportunity consult with a solicitor who specialises in personal injury* law.

DSCF4521For further information in relation to personal injuries* caused by a dog attack or indeed any aspect of personal injury* law, please do not hesitate to contact Hanahoe and Hanahoe solicitors on 045 897784 or at info@hanahoeandhanahoe.com.

This article is merely for information purposes and is not and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have any queries in relation to this or any other aspect of personal injury* law, you should consult with a solicitor who specialises in personal injury* law. No solicitor/client relationship or duty of care or liability of any nature exists between you and Hanahoe and Hanahoe solicitors until you receive written confirmation that we are acting as solicitors on your behalf.

*In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.


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