Personal Injury Claims

Accidents Involving Animals Claims

Animal Attack Claims

Thousands of people in the UK every year are injured by animals, yet making a claim can be a complex process for those unfamiliar with the law. At Browell Smith & Co Solicitors we have a team of specialist solicitors who not only understand the intricacies of these matters but are not scared to “bite back”!

Claims under the Animals Act, and other acts of parliament that regulate the keeping of animals, are difficult to understand fully. At Browell Smith & Co we have experience in dealing with claims against owners of animals who have negligently been allowed to injure members of the public.

If you have suffered such an injury, Browell Smith & Co can assist you in your animal injury claim. Just telephone to speak to one of our Legal Advisors immediately.

Contact our expert team today to arrange a free initial consultation at any of our offices, in Newcastle, Cramlington, Ashington, and Sunderland, or alternatively at your home, to discuss your particular requirements.

Dawn Bagley

Solicitor - Head of Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Kathryn Shingles

Solicitor - Personal Injury

Hayley Watson

Legal Clerk - Personal Injury

Kirsty Dockerty

Legal Clerk - Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Emma Charlton

Trainee Solicitor - Personal Injury

Who is responsible for the animal’s behaviour?

Under the Animals Act 1971, an owner of a dangerous species (as defined by the Act) will normally be responsible for damage caused by the animal.

Where the damage is not caused by a dangerous species the owner will still be responsible if:

  • The damage is of a kind which the animal, unless restrained, was likely to cause or which, if caused by the animal, was likely to be severe.
  • The likelihood of the damage or of its being severe was due to characteristics of the animal which are not normally found in animals of the same species or are not normally so found except at particular times or in particular circumstances.
  • Those characteristics were known to the owner.

What should you do after an animal attack? 

If you have been injured as a result of an animal attack then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible (if required) – it is important to clean any wounds as quickly as possible to prevent infections or further complications. You should receive a medical report as proof that you were injured by an animal – this will strengthen your animal attack claim. Legal professionals will be able to guide you through the whole claims process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Time limits for making an animal attack claim

As with all claims for personal injury compensation, there are time limits within which a claim must be lodged with the Court. For accident claims, court proceedings must be started within three years from the date of your accident.

In the event that court proceedings are not started within three years from the relevant date, the negligent party may be able to escape paying compensation on the basis that your claim is out of time.

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