How we helped our client claim compensation from a Dog bit injury
Patricia Howells, found herself the victim of a vicious dog bite in 2016 and fell back on a piece of legislation that is over 40 years old in order to gain over £7,000 in compensation. Personal Injury Solicitor Jonathan Thursby tells the story.
Our Client was Delivering the Yellow Pages
Mrs Patricia Howells was carrying out her job of delivering Yellow Pages to local residents in Plymouth. As she approached the door of a farmhouse in the south west of Dartmoor, Devon, Mrs Howells was attacked by a dog on the property.
The Alsatian dog bit Mrs Howell's hand as she passed a copy of the Yellow Pages over to the dog owner, leaving her with injuries to her hand.
The owner of the dog, who was also the homeowner, offered Mrs Howells a cloth to hold her wound. She was then promptly taken to hospital by her husband.
We're rated‘Excellent’Our Client Suffered a Hand Injury
Patricia's visit to Dereford hospital in Plymouth confirmed that she had deep lacerations and loss of flesh to the distal phalanx (the tip) of her right thumb. Later investigations into the injuries she had sustained from the dog bite saw doctors advise her to see a hand therapist to ensure a speedy recovery from the incident.
It was after her initial hospital visit that Mr Howells decided to seek the help of our Personal Injury Solicitors to make a claim for compensation.
We fought after the defendants denied Liability
Under Section 2 of the Animals Act 1971, Patricia Howells was owed compensation for the damages she suffered because of the incident with the Alsatian.
Initially, the defendant denied all liability, arguing that our client allowed her hands to pass over the gate. However, our Personal Injury Solicitors successfully negotiated a settlement in our client’s favour.
Mrs Patricia Howells was awarded over £7000 for the damages she suffered because of the negligence of the dog owner.
Jonathan Thursby commented, "Mrs Howells and her husband dealt with the situation well in that they contacted the police about the dog which could help to protect any further incidences as well as taking pictures of the wounds sustained and making a record of the accident."
"The Animals Act of 1971 protects people like Mrs Howells. It states that if the keeper of an animal knows of that animal's propensity to attack, the keeper may be liable"
If you have been attacked by a dog either in a public place or on private property, you could be entitled to compensation. For more information contact our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free consultation.
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