Incident Overview
We have recently settled a personal injury claim for Mr S, a 41-year-old delivery driver from Rhyl, North Wales, who was bitten by a dog while delivering a parcel to a rural property.
How the Attack Happened
At the time of the incident, Mr S was working as a courier for Evri. Upon arriving at the farm, he exited his van and walked up the driveway to deliver a parcel to the farmhouse. Several dogs, which were not restrained, ran aggressively toward him. One of the dogs bit him on the leg, causing a painful and distressing injury.
The dog’s owner quickly intervened and restrained the animal, allowing Mr S to return to his vehicle and leave the premises.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Following the attack, Mr S attended his local hospital where his wound was dressed and he received a tetanus injection. Thankfully, he made a good recovery, although he was left with a small scar on his leg.
Legal Basis for the Claim
A claim was brought against the owners of the dogs—who also owned the farm—under the Animals Act 1971. As the dog was not classified as a “dangerous species,” the claim required us to prove:
- The injury was of a kind the animal was likely to cause if not restrained.
- The likelihood or severity of the injury was due to characteristics not normally found in that species, or only found in specific circumstances.
- The dog’s owner was aware of these characteristics.
Claim Submission and Liability
The claim was submitted via the Ministry of Justice’s Claims Portal to the dog owner’s insurers. After investigating the circumstances, the insurers accepted liability.
Medical Evidence and Settlement
We obtained a medical report from an independent Specialist General Practitioner, who confirmed the nature of Mr S’s injuries and provided a prognosis. This report, along with details of Mr S’s out-of-pocket expenses, was submitted to the insurers.
Following negotiations, we secured a settlement of just under £3,000, which Mr S was pleased with.
Need Help with a Similar Claim?
If you’ve suffered an injury due to an animal attack or any other incident while working or in a public place, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced team can guide you through the claims process and help you achieve a fair outcome.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence. You can call us on 01244 312306, email us at law@oliverandco.co.uk or complete the form on our Contact Us page and we’ll get in touch.
