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Dog Bite Compensation Claims in Northern Ireland

Our solicitors are here to help if you need to make a dog bite compensation claim in Northern Ireland. Our dedicated team of solicitors is committed to guiding you through the legal process and ensuring that you receive the support you deserve. 

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Northern Ireland, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Let our experienced team help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Dog Bite Claims in Belfast and Northern Ireland

Dog owners have a duty to control their pets and prevent them from causing harm. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be eligible for compensation.

At Paschal O’Hare, we understand the physical and emotional trauma that a dog bite can cause. Our compassionate and expert solicitors have been helping people in Northern Ireland for over 50 years, and you can trust us to handle your dog bite compensation claim with the utmost care and professionalism.

We pride ourselves on our client-focused approach, and we will guide you through every step of the dog bite claims process, providing you with the support and advice you need during this difficult time. Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Dog Bite Laws in Northern Ireland

The law in Northern Ireland is clear about the consequences of dog bite attacks. 

If a dog injures someone during an attack, the owner could face up to two years in prison and a £5,000 fine. 

A dog attack is not limited to instances where a person is bitten. If a dog’s behaviour causes someone to fear that they might be attacked, it is considered an attack. Aggressive or threatening behaviour by a dog may lead to prosecution, with penalties that include up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

In cases where a dog has attacked a person, a court may order the dog to be destroyed. 

In addition to this, the individual who was attacked can bring a dog bite claim against the dog owner for their injuries.

What are some common injuries sustained in dog bite attacks in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, common injuries sustained in a dog bite attack can include:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations and abrasions
  • Nerve damage 
  • Fractures or broken bones 
  • Infections such as rabies or tetanus

Our team of experienced solicitors has successfully helped numerous clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related expenses such as medical bills and lost income due to time off work.

You can trust us with your case because we prioritize honesty, transparency, accountability, and clear communication with each client throughout the claims process. We will guide you every step of the way until justice is served on your behalf.

Common ways people are injured in dog attacks

Our solicitors can help you with dog bite claims related to:

  • Unprovoked attacks – If you were bitten by a dog, whether in a public place or on private property, you may be entitled to claim.
  • Injuries to children – Children are often more vulnerable to dog attacks due to their size and lack of experience.
  • Dogs that are not properly secured – Aggressive dogs that have not been properly restrained or leashed could injure people.
Whatever the circumstances, our solicitors are here to listen and help you recover the compensation that you are owed. 

Can I claim for a dog bite at work?

It is very common to sustain injuries while working with or around dogs.  More specifically, there is a higher chance of being injured if you are a postal worker and delivery drivers who work at:

  • Royal Mail
  • DPD
  • DHL
  • EVRI
  • FedEx
  • Amazon
  • Yodel
If you’ve been injured by a dog in Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, reach out to our team today. Our expert dog bite solicitors will handle your case and guide you every step of the way.
dog bite compensation claim Belfast northern ireland

Who can make a dog bite compensation claim?

Anyone who has been injured as a result of a dog bite in Northern Ireland may be eligible to make a dog bite compensation claim. This includes individuals such as pedestrians, postal workers, and children who may have been bitten by a neighbor’s dog or attacked by another animal. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible following the incident so that our expert solicitors can evaluate your case and begin building the strongest possible claim on your behalf. 

What do I do after a dog bite?

If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to take the following steps:

  • Seek medical attention – Your health and safety should be your top priority. If you’ve been bitten, you should get medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Gather evidence – Take photos of your injuries and get contact details of any witnesses who saw the attack.
  • Contact a solicitor – Reach out to our solicitors and they’ll advise you on your legal rights and help you to make a claim for compensation.

It is important to note that each dog bite case is unique and the specific circumstances of your incident will determine your eligibility for compensation. Our experienced solicitors can assess your situation and provide you with tailored advice on whether you have a valid claim. Reach out to our team or visit our offices in Belfast, Glengormley, and Carrickfergus to learn more.

Are there any time limits for dog bite claims?

It is important to be aware that there is a time limit for filing a dog bite claim in Northern Ireland. Typically, have 3 years from the date of the incident to initiate legal proceedings. Our experienced solicitors will work diligently to ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame, maximising your chances of receiving the compensation you rightly deserve.

Trust our dog bite injury solicitors

Our team of compassionate and expert solicitors has been helping people across Northern Ireland for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on our commitment to providing personalised, client-focused legal representation. When you choose us to handle your dog bite claim, you can trust that we will:

  • Thoroughly investigate your case and gather all necessary evidence.
  • Provide clear and honest advice about your legal options.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf.
  • Represent you in court if necessary, to secure the best possible outcome for your claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack in Northern Ireland, contact Paschal O’Hare today for a completely free consultation. Let our experienced animal injury solicitors help you get the dog bite compensation you deserve.

Seymour major solicitor specialising in injury claims

Seymour Major

“Dog bite injuries can be very serious. We are here to help our clients get the representation they deserve. ”

Dog Bite Claims in Belfast and Northern Ireland FAQs

To support your dog bite claim you should gather evidence such as photographs of your injuries, medical records, as well as witness statements. Our solicitors will help you collect and present this evidence to build a strong case.

The amount of compensation you may receive depends on a number of factors including the severity of your injuries. Our website features a helpful calculator that explains the type of compensation you could be owed. However, it is best to speak with our solicitors directly to receive a better estimate.

Most dog bite claims are settled out of court through negotiations with the responsible party or their insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our solicitors are prepared to take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.

In Northern Ireland, The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, as amended by the Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, places certain restrictions on certain types of dogs including:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro.
  • Japanese Tosa

You would still be able to claim if you’ve been attacked and injured by one of these types of dogs. In fact, it likely increases your chances of a successful claim.

Yes, you would still likely be able to claim for a dog bite on private property. However, given that these accidents can be quite complex, we would invite you to speak with our solicitors to determine whether you can make a claim.

A dog bite claim in Northern Ireland can vary significantly. The exact time will depend on the complexity of your claim and whether the case goes to court. We will be able to provide a more accurate estimate once you speak with one of our solicitors about the circumstances of your claim.

If you were injured by a dog while working for the Royal Mail, you are likely able to make a claim against the dog owner. You should report the incident immediately and seek medical attention. You can then begin the claim by contacting our solicitors to learn more about your options.

As an Amazon delivery driver, you are entitled to claim against a dog bite injury during your rounds. Report the attack right away, gather any evidence like photos of the wound or dog, and get checked out by a doctor. Reach out to our team and we’ll be able to guide you on what to do next.

You have the right to claim compensation for a dog bite suffered during your duties as a Hermes employee. It’s important that you report your bite, obtain medical evidence of your injury, and speak with us about bringing a dog bite claim.

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