Unexpected Trouble on the Job
We recently secured a compensation settlement for Mr S, a 41-year-old courier from Rhyl, North Wales, who was bitten by a dog while delivering a parcel to a farm.
Mr S was working for Evri when he arrived at the property. As he walked up the driveway to the farmhouse, several unrestrained dogs ran toward him aggressively. One of the dogs bit him on the leg, leaving him shaken and injured.
Immediate Aftermath and Medical Care
The dog’s owner quickly came out and restrained the animal, allowing Mr S to return to his van and leave the scene. He later attended his local hospital, where his wound was dressed and he received a tetanus injection.
Thankfully, Mr S made a good recovery, although he was left with a small scar on his leg as a lasting reminder of the incident.
Bringing the Claim
A claim was brought against the farm owners under the Animals Act 1971. Since the dog was not classed as a “dangerous species,” we needed to demonstrate:
- The injury was of a kind that the animal was likely to cause if not restrained.
- The severity of the injury was linked to specific characteristics of the dog not typical of its species.
- The owner was aware of these characteristics.
Liability Accepted and Case Settled
The claim was submitted via the Ministry of Justice’s Claims Portal to the dog owner’s insurers. After reviewing the evidence, they accepted responsibility.
We obtained a medical report from an independent GP, confirming the nature of Mr S’s injuries and providing a prognosis. This, along with details of his expenses, was sent to the insurers.
Following negotiations, we secured a settlement of just under £3,000 for Mr S.
Bitten, Bruised, but Not Beaten – Let Us Help You Too
If you’ve been injured by an animal while working or visiting a property, you may be entitled to compensation. Our friendly and experienced team is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation – we’ll guide you every step of the way. You can call us on 01244 568 535 or email us at info@whatsmyclaimworth.co.uk and we’ll get in touch.