You'll need to gather a variety of evidence to substantiate your case when you make an animal attack compensation claim. You can gather some of this evidence yourself before contacting a solicitor, while other elements can be gathered by your solicitor with your help. Together, your aim is to build a case that proves that an animal's owner or person who was in control of the animal at the time, was negligent in looking after them, and that that negligence caused you to suffer an injury.

The evidence we'll use to build your claim includes:

• Medical records: detailed medical records from your doctor or the hospital that treated your injuries will outline the nature and extent of your injuries, the treatment you received, and any ongoing medical needs.
• Photographs: any photographs you took of your injuries soon after the attack and throughout your recovery process can demonstrate the extent and severity of the injuries and how they developed. Similarly, images of the location where the attack occurred, including any relevant details like broken fences, unsecured gates, or lack of warning signs, can support your case. If the attack was captured on CCTV or by a bystander’s phone, we will try to obtain this footage.
• Medical reports: your solicitor may commission a report from an independent medical professional. Where relevant, this will detail the long-term impact of your injuries, such as scarring, mobility issues, or psychological effects like PTSD.
• Witness statements: statements from anyone who witnessed the attack can corroborate your version of events, which can help if the animal's owner disputes the facts. You do not need to collect these statements yourself but try to gather contact details for anyone who saw the attack.
• Expert witnesses: if applicable, a report from a vet could provide insights into the animal’s behaviour, such as whether the attack was provoked or if the animal was suffering from an illness that could explain its aggression. This might help to establish liability, particularly if the owner’s negligence contributed to the attack.
• Police reports: if the incident was reported to the police, obtain a copy of the police report. This report may include details from the scene, witness statements, and any immediate actions that were taken.
• Financial documents: if you’ve had to take time off work due to your injuries, keep records of your lost earnings. This could include payslips or a letter from your employer. Keep receipts for any expenses incurred as a result of the attack, such as medical costs, travel expenses for treatment, or property damage repairs.
• Communication: records of any communications with the animal's owner after the attack, especially if they admit fault or make any offers of compensation, can support your claim. In all cases, you should keep copies of any correspondence with all parties before and during an animal injury claim.

Gathering comprehensive evidence will significantly enhance the chances of success in your claim. Switalskis' team will try to gather as much evidence as we can to build the strongest possible case. Thanks to our experience with many different types of personal injury claim, we can collect vital evidence that will prove that you were injured, that someone else was responsible, and that you're owed compensation as a result.

Most animal attack claims are settled out of court. This means that the negligent party - the person responsible for the animal that attacked you, in most claims - will review the evidence, accept that they are liable and agree to pay you compensation. In these claims, you do not need to attend a court hearing and your solicitor will handle the formalities with the negligent party or their insurance company where relevant.

In some cases, the other party will dispute their liability. In animal injury claims like dog bites, the dog's owner may not have insurance, or may believe that you provoked the animal to attack you. If they dispute the claim, then it may be taken to court.

If you work with Switalskis, our expert personal injury solicitors will already have built a base of evidence to support your claim. We'll present this in court and argue for the compensation you're owed. You may need to attend court and give a statement or answer questions from the other party. If so, we'll prepare you for this beforehand and take the time to get you ready. The bulk of the responsibility for your claim will be on us, and most animal attack compensation claims won't require you to be in court for a long time.

Switalskis' personal injury claim experts prioritise communication and will discuss the stages of the claims process with you as they unfold. This means you'll know early on whether or not your claim is heading to court, and we'll be by your side at all times. As we noted above, most personal injury claims (including for animal attack injuries) are concluded quickly with an out-of-court settlement.

As we have noted above, there are two factors taken into account when you claim compensation. These apply equally to animal attacks as to any other type of injury or illness. The first is the pain, suffering and loss of amenity you experienced due to the attack. The specific injuries sustained in the attack will be evaluated based on medical reports and, in some cases, a second opinion from an independent medical expert. They will be compared to the Judicial College guidelines for financial compensation, which set minimum and maximum compensation amounts for different types of injuries. For example, if a dog bite leaves you with cuts and bruises on your hand, this will fall into one of the lower categories within the Judicial College guidelines. A more serious injury, like a broken bone or an attack that leaves you with a permanent disability, will result in more compensation. If you sustain injuries including a broken bone and cuts or bruises at the same time, you can receive compensation for both injuries within one claim.

The other factor that affects how much compensation you will receive is the amount of money you have lost due to the injuries sustained. If you took time off work to recover, any earnings you lost as a result will be added to your compensation. If the injury affected your ability to work, future lost income can also be part of the calculation, and any money spent on medical treatment or related costs can be included.

In cases where you do not know who was responsible, you may be able to claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which is run by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. This organisation has its own guidelines and the process of making a claim is different. Your solicitor can discuss the details of your case with you to help you understand how to claim and how much compensation you should expect.

An animal attack compensation claim will usually be settled out of court by your solicitor and the other party. However, the other party may also dispute the claim and object to paying any compensation. In these cases, your claim will proceed to court. Your solicitor will handle everything on your behalf, including proving your claim in court and arguing for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

At Switalskis, we offer a no win, no fee claims process for animal attacks. This is also known as a conditional fee agreement, and means that we will represent you and provide any services you need during your case with no upfront legal fees, on the condition that we are only paid if we make a successful claim for you.

If the case is unsuccessful, the client generally does not have to pay the solicitor's fees. However, the client might still be responsible for some costs, such as court fees, the costs paid to independent experts or, in rare cases, the other party's legal costs. This means that no win, no fee claims allow people to pursue justice and compensation without the financial risk of paying solicitor fees if the case is lost. They open up access to justice for people who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

If your case is successful, our legal fees and success fee are paid as a percentage of the compensation you receive, which will be agreed beforehand. Because our payment is contingent on winning the case, we have a strong incentive to work diligently and achieve the best possible outcome for each client. For this reason, a no win, no fee agreement is often the best option for all parties in animal attack claims.

Responsibility for an animal attack in the UK typically falls to the owner or keeper of the animal. This depends on several factors, including whether or not the owner was behaving negligently in caring for the animal. If you're hurt by an animal, our animal injury lawyers can help you to determine who was responsible and support you to seek compensation.

For species defined as dangerous (under section 2 of the Animals Act 1971), the owner is usually strictly liable for any injuries, regardless of whether the animal was provoked or whether the owner took precautions. Similarly, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 identifies certain dog breeds that are considered inherently dangerous, and owners are responsible for ensuring these animals do not pose a threat.

However, in animal compensation claims involving domesticated animals, we must consider whether the injury resulted from specific characteristics of the animal (that differ from those of the species generally) and whether the owner knew about these characteristics. For example, if you were injured by an animal with aggressive or biting tendencies and the owner did not take steps to prevent the attack, you will usually be eligible to make an animal injury claim.

If the victim provoked the animal or unlawfully entered the property where the animal was kept, this could reduce or even eliminate the owner's liability. This is particularly relevant under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984, which considers whether someone was trespassing when injured.

An animal owner could be considered negligent if they failed to take reasonable precautions, such as securing a garden gate, putting a muzzle on an aggressive dog in public, or allowing children near a potentially aggressive animal without supervision. If negligence is proven, the owner can be held responsible for any harm caused, and for paying compensation in an animal injury claim.

Your employer is responsible for upholding your safety while you're at work. If you're injured by an animal in these circumstances, your employer may be held responsible. If the animal is part of a business, like guard dogs on a commercial property, the business owner may bear responsibility. Employers must be sure that animals on their premises do not pose a risk to employees, customers, or visitors, and failure to minimise this risk could establish liability.

Even if it is not, employers remain responsible for anticipating and addressing risks to their employees and members of the general public. If injuries from bites, scratches, or attacks by animals are a known risk in your industry (for example, at a veterinary practice), safety measures should be in place. Employers who fail to protect employees adequately may be liable for injuries caused by attacks or accidents involving animals in these cases.

Working with livestock can result in injuries from large animals such as cattle or horses. Proper training, handling procedures, and safety barriers are essential to minimise risk, and if your employer has failed to provide any of these necessities, this can support an animal injury claim.

You can make an animal injury claim for a range of physical, psychological, and financial impacts of your injury. Claims typically cover:

• Bites and lacerations: common in animal attacks, these can cause scarring and disfigurement, often leading to long-term physical consequences.
• Bone fractures: certain animal attacks, particularly those involving large dogs or livestock, can result in broken bones or joint injuries.
• Infections: animal bites or scratches may lead to infections, such as rabies or sepsis, particularly if the wound is not cleaned properly.
• Nerve damage: attacks can cause nerve damage, which may result in a loss of sensation or chronic pain in affected areas.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): many victims experience PTSD symptoms after an animal attack, including flashbacks, anxiety, and difficulty engaging with animals.
• Anxiety or phobias: victims may develop phobias or a general fear of animals that impacts their day-to-day activities.
• Depression and emotional distress: injuries resulting in long-term disfigurement or disabilities can lead to feelings of distress or depression, which will be factored into compensation.

As well as physical and psychological injuries caused by the animal, you can also include financial losses related to the incident. These include:

• Medical expenses: this includes costs for treatment, rehabilitation, surgery, medication, and any specialised care.
• Lost earnings: if injuries lead to time off work, the victim may claim for lost wages. This can also cover future loss of earnings if the injuries affect their ability to work long-term.
• Travel costs: expenses related to travelling for medical appointments or rehabilitation can be included.
• Personal care needs: if injuries lead to a need for in-home assistance or modifications to the home, these expenses can be claimed.
• Loss of amenity: if the injury impacts the victim’s ability to enjoy hobbies, social life, or family activities, this may be included in the claim.
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs: for long-term physical or psychological recovery, claims can include the cost of physiotherapy, counselling, or psychological support.

The types of compensation available will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, including the severity and long-term impact of the injuries sustained.

If you've been injured in an animal accident, you can take several steps to support a future compensation claim, in case you're entitled to make one.

• .Seek medical attention: prioritise your health and get prompt medical care for any injuries. Even if your injuries don't seem serious, injuries caused by animals can develop and worsen over time. Urgent medical attention can identify any risks and make sure you get proper treatment. You should also keep a detailed record of all medical assessments, treatments, prescriptions, and costs, as these documents serve as evidence of the severity of your injuries.
• Report the incident: Notify the relevant authorities, including the police, especially if the animal is dangerous or if the owner has acted negligently. Police reports can provide a formal record of the incident. If the attack occurred on a worksite, notify your employer, who may have obligations to report or document the incident for workplace safety purposes.
• Collect evidence: document the incident by taking photographs of your injuries, the animal involved (if it is safe to do so), and the surrounding environment. Collecting contact details of witnesses who saw the attack can also support your claim.
• Record details of the animal and its owner: find the animal owner's name and contact information if you can. Write down any details about the animal, such as its breed or history of aggression if known. These details will assist in identifying the responsible party.
• Preserve evidence of financial losses: maintain receipts and records of any costs related to the attack, including medical expenses, travel costs for treatment, and any lost earnings during time off work in recovery. Evidence of these costs can demonstrate the financial impact of the incident.
• Consult a solicitor: seek legal advice to understand your options. Animal injury claims depend on factors like the animal's breed and the owner’s liability, and only a solicitor can determine whether or not you're eligible to claim. Switalskis can guide you on the process, determine your liability, and help you to gather further evidence if you need it.

Avoid communication with the owner or their insurer, as direct discussions may lead to misunderstandings or affect your case. Instead, allow your solicitor to handle communications, as they will maintain a consistent and professional approach to any negotiations. Taking these steps immediately after an animal attack can increase the likelihood of a successful compensation outcome.