IS A DOG REALLY MAN’S BEST FRIEND?

March 11th, 2008 Hinchliffes

The NHS has identified another drain on resources caused by a 43% rise in the number of people being treated for dog bites.

According to NHS statistics numbers have risen to almost 3,800 victims a year. Dog bites are usually suffered by children; however there has been a 58% rise in attacks on adults, compared with only a 20% rise in attacks on children. There are also regional variations and London comes out worst with a 119% increase in hospital admissions for dog attacks on those under 18 years of age.

Personal injury claim solicitors have also noticed a rise in victims of such attacks seeking legal advice about possible injury compensation. Enquiries come not only from the general public, but also from specific work groups, in particular those in the postal industry.

This increase in the number of people requiring medical treatment has been partly blamed on young people acquiring dogs and eventually abandoning them. During the past year the Metropolitan Police received 943 reports of dogs that were out of control in public places. Some young people appear to see ownership of a dog as a status symbol, but lack the knowledge of how to properly handle and care for the animal.

COMMENT:-

The owners and keepers of animals have a duty to ensure that their animals do not cause injury to others. Breach of this duty could result in a personal injury claim being made against them. Anyone injured by a dog attack may need to show that the animal had a history of aggression and because of this greater care was required to keep it under control. Guard dogs should be with an experienced handler and there must also be visible warning notices.

Apart from dogs, other animals that often cause injury as a result of their behaviour are horses, ferrets, cows and bulls.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have suffered any form of injury caused by the behaviour of an animal, contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.