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Dog Bite Injury Claim Guide: What To Do When A Dog Attacks

They’re known as man’s best friend and bring so much joy into many people’s lives, but dogs also have the potential to cause serious injury and even death.

If the dog bite is severe, you have probably incurred significant damages including medical bills, lost wages, and possibly even permanent scarring. In these cases, it’s usually worth pursuing legal action. If the bite was minor, you still might be able to recover compensation.

What Should I do when a Dog Attacks?

Firstly, you seek urgent medical attention to ensure that you receive proper care for any injury sustained and be sure to give a proper history to the Doctors of how the incident occurred. After receiving medical attention, you should report the dog attack to both the Police and to your local council. Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), your local council has the power to declare the dog as ‘dangerous’ or ‘menacing’ which will subject it to certain restrictions, ensuring the safety of yourself, your family and your neighbourhood.

Ensure that you keep hold of any documents, for instance a case report from the police or medical documents you acquire after receiving treatment, as it will assist your case for a compensation claim. Your local Council will investigate the attack and make findings as to what occurred and recommendations as to the future of the dog. The information gathered in this process can be crucial to making a claim for compensation

A part of this process it is important to obtain the name and details of the owner of the dog, including if the owner has any public liability insurance, this nasally is part of a home and contents insurance policy. If the owner has insurance this makes a claim more likely to succeed. After receiving medical treatment, and reporting the attack to your local council, you should contact us to discuss how to make a claim for compensation and the type of compensation payable.

What are the Potential Consequences of Your Dog Attacking Someone?

If your dog injures someone, you may face:

  • Legal action: The injured person can sue you for damages, including medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
  • Council penalties: Your local council may impose fines or other penalties.
  • Dog destruction order: In severe cases, the court may order your dog to be destroyed.

Important Considerations:

  • Children: Extra care must be taken around children. Children are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks, and you must take all necessary precautions to protect them.
  • Public places: Be mindful of your dog’s behaviour in public places. Even the most friendly dog can react unpredictably in certain situations.
  • Insurance: Consider investing in public liability insurance to protect yourself financially.

How Do I Report a Dog Attack?

If someone has sustained injury in a dog attack you should report this to the Police and your local council. The council is responsible for dangerous dogs. You should also seek medical treatment and make sure the circumstances of the attach are recorded in clinical notes of the hospital or GP. The Council will likely investigate the circumstances of the attack which will help proving liability against the owner of the dog which caused the injury.

What Are Your Rights and Responsibilities When it Comes to Dogs?

In NSW, dog owners have a strict liability for any damage caused by their dog. This means you are responsible for any injuries or property damage caused by your dog, regardless of whether you were negligent or not. There is one notable exception to this strict liability:

  • Provocation: If someone intentionally provokes your dog and it attacks in direct response, you may not be liable.However, proving this can be difficult.

Your Responsibilities as a Dog Owner

  • Control of your dog: You must take all reasonable steps to control your dog in public and private places. This includes keeping your dog on a leash in public areas and ensuring your property is securely fenced.
  • Registration: All dogs over three months old must be registered with your local council.
  • Microchipping: Your dog must be microchipped and the details kept up-to-date.
  • Compulsory liability insurance: While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have public liability insurance to cover potential costs if your dog injures someone.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Claim?

The simple answer is Yes. If you wish to make a claim for a Dog Bite, you will need a Lawyer to assist you in obtaining the most compensation possible from your claim. The best lawyer is one who is experienced in these types of claims and who is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. Lawyers know how much you claim may be worth and will take all the hassle out of obtaining for you the best compensation available.

What Kind of Lawyer do I Need for a Dog Bite?

Dog Bite Compensation Claim is a Public Liability Claim. For a Dog Bite, you will need a lawyer that specialises in Personal Injury. The Best Lawyers will be Accredited Specialists in their specific field. All Lawyers at Garling and Co are Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury.

Disclaimer: This information is a general overview and does not constitute legal advice. If you are involved in a dog attack, it is essential to seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer.

Garling & Co Lawyers

Matthew Garling

Matthew Garling is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law approved by New South Wales Law Society. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Matthew is also a member of...
Angie & B.
00:58 18 Sep 24
We cannot recommend Garling and Co. Lawyers highly enough! Our principal solicitor, Matthew Garling, was absolutely outstanding throughout our entire legal journey. He, along with the fantastic team... in the office, especially Allison, provided outstanding support. They were always responsive, willing to listen, and took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we achieved a brilliant outcome.read more
Yanthi S.
11:22 12 Sep 24
I engaged with Garling and Co to assist me for my weekly payment dispute with the insurance. I was upset with Natasha, as she didn't prepare me to the worse outcome or told me about the kind of... negotiation in the hearing. I assumed that as a Lawyer she should have an experience with the process or the way to solve the case. Even though I asked her what should I do or what would be happened in the hearing a week before but she didn't mentioned anything, and told me not do anything. But in the hearing she and the Barrister only gave me less than 5 minutes to make decision and pushed me to accept the disappointed outcome and what she said in the hearing totally different with what she said earlier. I don't trust her at all, her words is not consistent.I would like to express my appreciation to Matthew Garling who had stepped in to handle my weekly payment issue with the insurance. He is very professional, knowledgeable, easy to talk to and very humble. My disappointment earlier has melted away by his kindness and caring to resolve my issue which has came out the great outcome. Now I am satisfied with his expertise therefore I would not hesitate to let him to handle the case I might have in the future.As I said before I would not hesitate to let my other claim to be handled by a professional as Matthew Garling. I would like to thank him for his time and effort to settle my case smoothly and I trusted him to give me the best outcome. Also I appreciated his support and his patience to answer my questions from the time I signed the agreement up to the day before the mediation. He did not promise the unrealistic outcome but what ever he promised that what the result was according to his experiences. And I would not forget to Alison, Nathan who also have assisted this matters, by gathering all documents and answering my questions.Also my appreciation to a Barrister Mr Dallas Morgan.So, in summary I am really grateful to have Garling and Co as my lawyer to handle my damaged claim.read more
Tina S
07:45 29 Aug 24
Thank you for the great outcome!
Lisa L.
05:18 13 Jul 24
Outstanding service and commitment to my case was delivered from the first point of contact right until the end of my successful case.Highest recommendations to the team at Garling and Co. Matthew... got me an excellent result and was available and informative throughout the entire foreign process of legal proceedings. He was wonderful and so was his team.If i could rate higher than 5 stars i would!read more
J B
07:12 02 Jul 24
Matthew Garling and all of the team were extremely professional and supportive throughout what was a very long and arduous CTP battle. I am happy with the result and feel that their fees were fair... and well deserved.read more
Nelson B.
02:11 30 Jun 24
Professional, prompt & honest service
Brad M.
02:19 28 Jun 24
I worked with Garling & Co for 3+ years, the team has been incredible and I could not have been happier with Kerry's support and the results produced!I highly recommend choosing them as your... representatives!!read more
Ray H.
07:33 13 Jun 24
Matthew Garling and Team are kind, patient, polite, professional, empathetic and efficient. I was treated terribly by the at fault insurer. Garling and Co. had my back. Matthew gently and patiently... kept me up to speed on all the steps to go through. From my personal experience I recommend these guys. They are safe hands. Thank you team.read more
Jo L.
05:58 07 May 24
So very impressed with the professional team who looked after me throughout the last 4 and 1/2 years. A special mention to Kerry and Nathan who navigated each request to fight for my right to gain... access to further treatments and physio and to ensure medical treatment would be covered moving forward. I was so grateful I could hand it all over to you and not have to go through this very challenging time without your support.I thank you for the compassion you have provided to me, from the first contact with Matthew and Natasha, to finalisation with Kerry and Nathan.I highly recommend the team at Garling and Co for any third party compensation claims. You are in good hands with them all.read more
Linda O.
21:53 06 May 24
Emma, Rebecca and the team at Garling and Co have worked diligently throughout my workers compensation claim. The level of professionalism, support and communication has been faultless. Of particular... note has been the sensitivity displayed to me throughout the lengthy process. Worker’s compensation claims are complex and not easy to navigate, particularly when you are unwell. I do not hesitate to recommend Garling and Co to help you find a way through this otherwise unfathomable system.read more
READ ALL TESTIMONIALS

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Angie & B.
00:58 18 Sep 24
We cannot recommend Garling and Co. Lawyers highly enough! Our principal solicitor, Matthew Garling, was absolutely outstanding throughout our entire legal journey. He, along with the fantastic team... in the office, especially Allison, provided outstanding support. They were always responsive, willing to listen, and took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we achieved a brilliant outcome.read more
Yanthi S.
11:22 12 Sep 24
I engaged with Garling and Co to assist me for my weekly payment dispute with the insurance. I was upset with Natasha, as she didn't prepare me to the worse outcome or told me about the kind of... negotiation in the hearing. I assumed that as a Lawyer she should have an experience with the process or the way to solve the case. Even though I asked her what should I do or what would be happened in the hearing a week before but she didn't mentioned anything, and told me not do anything. But in the hearing she and the Barrister only gave me less than 5 minutes to make decision and pushed me to accept the disappointed outcome and what she said in the hearing totally different with what she said earlier. I don't trust her at all, her words is not consistent.I would like to express my appreciation to Matthew Garling who had stepped in to handle my weekly payment issue with the insurance. He is very professional, knowledgeable, easy to talk to and very humble. My disappointment earlier has melted away by his kindness and caring to resolve my issue which has came out the great outcome. Now I am satisfied with his expertise therefore I would not hesitate to let him to handle the case I might have in the future.As I said before I would not hesitate to let my other claim to be handled by a professional as Matthew Garling. I would like to thank him for his time and effort to settle my case smoothly and I trusted him to give me the best outcome. Also I appreciated his support and his patience to answer my questions from the time I signed the agreement up to the day before the mediation. He did not promise the unrealistic outcome but what ever he promised that what the result was according to his experiences. And I would not forget to Alison, Nathan who also have assisted this matters, by gathering all documents and answering my questions.Also my appreciation to a Barrister Mr Dallas Morgan.So, in summary I am really grateful to have Garling and Co as my lawyer to handle my damaged claim.read more
Tina S
07:45 29 Aug 24
Thank you for the great outcome!
Lisa L.
05:18 13 Jul 24
Outstanding service and commitment to my case was delivered from the first point of contact right until the end of my successful case.Highest recommendations to the team at Garling and Co. Matthew... got me an excellent result and was available and informative throughout the entire foreign process of legal proceedings. He was wonderful and so was his team.If i could rate higher than 5 stars i would!read more
J B
07:12 02 Jul 24
Matthew Garling and all of the team were extremely professional and supportive throughout what was a very long and arduous CTP battle. I am happy with the result and feel that their fees were fair... and well deserved.read more
Nelson B.
02:11 30 Jun 24
Professional, prompt & honest service
Brad M.
02:19 28 Jun 24
I worked with Garling & Co for 3+ years, the team has been incredible and I could not have been happier with Kerry's support and the results produced!I highly recommend choosing them as your... representatives!!read more
Ray H.
07:33 13 Jun 24
Matthew Garling and Team are kind, patient, polite, professional, empathetic and efficient. I was treated terribly by the at fault insurer. Garling and Co. had my back. Matthew gently and patiently... kept me up to speed on all the steps to go through. From my personal experience I recommend these guys. They are safe hands. Thank you team.read more
Jo L.
05:58 07 May 24
So very impressed with the professional team who looked after me throughout the last 4 and 1/2 years. A special mention to Kerry and Nathan who navigated each request to fight for my right to gain... access to further treatments and physio and to ensure medical treatment would be covered moving forward. I was so grateful I could hand it all over to you and not have to go through this very challenging time without your support.I thank you for the compassion you have provided to me, from the first contact with Matthew and Natasha, to finalisation with Kerry and Nathan.I highly recommend the team at Garling and Co for any third party compensation claims. You are in good hands with them all.read more
Linda O.
21:53 06 May 24
Emma, Rebecca and the team at Garling and Co have worked diligently throughout my workers compensation claim. The level of professionalism, support and communication has been faultless. Of particular... note has been the sensitivity displayed to me throughout the lengthy process. Worker’s compensation claims are complex and not easy to navigate, particularly when you are unwell. I do not hesitate to recommend Garling and Co to help you find a way through this otherwise unfathomable system.read more
University of Technology, Sydney
Member of Law Society of New South Wales
Law Society of NSW Specialist Accreditation
University of Sydney
Legal Profession Admission Board of New South Wales
The law society of nsw professional standards scheme logo.
University of Technology, Sydney
Member of Law Society of New South Wales
Law Society of NSW Specialist Accreditation
University of Sydney
Legal Profession Admission Board of New South Wales
The law society of nsw professional standards scheme logo.
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