Facing the aftermath of an animal attack can be traumatic and confusing. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an animal attack, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. The physical and emotional trauma can be significant, impacting your everyday life and potentially causing financial strain due to medical bills or time off work.

At Switalskis, we understand the hardship you're going through, and we're here to help. We specialise in dealing with animal injury claims and can guide you through this challenging time. Our team of skilled animal attack lawyers can provide you with the caring, straightforward advice you need to navigate this complex legal process.

Whether your injury was caused by a dog bite, an equestrian incident, a cow accident, or something else, we’re ready to help you. We believe in being clear and concise, removing the 'legalese' and ensuring you understand every step of your animal attack claim journey. With Switalskis on your side, you're not just getting a team of lawyers; you're getting a team of committed allies who’ll strive for the best possible outcome for you.

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 138 0458 , or get in touch via the website .

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of dog bite injuries in the UK. Whether it's a pet or a stray, a dog bite can be a deeply distressing incident. Our expert solicitors will work to help you navigate the complexities of a dog bite claim. We'll guide you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the animal attack compensation you're entitled to.

We deal with all types of dog bite cases, from minor injuries to severe cases where extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation are necessary. We are experienced in dealing with the physical consequences, such as scarring, as well as the psychological injuries. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can occur after a dog attack.

For more information on dog bite claims, visit our dedicated page.

Incidents involving cows can cause severe injuries, and in the worst cases, even fatalities. At Switalskis, our team has extensive experience in dealing with cow accident claims. We're here to guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are upheld and your claim is handled professionally.

Handling a cow accident claim requires specific knowledge of laws and regulations governing livestock and public safety. We understand the unique factors involved in cow accident claims, such as the behaviour of the cow, the conditions of the location where the incident happened, and the responsibilities of the livestock owner. For instance, farmers must ensure their paths are safe to walk on and display clear warning signs if there are cattle in their field.

Whether your injury was caused by being trampled, charged or otherwise, we’re here to help. We handle cases involving walkers, hikers and farm workers who have had unfortunate encounters with cows. Our dedicated team will investigate every aspect of your case, gathering the necessary evidence and witness statements to strengthen your claim.

The law sets certain time limits for making a claim. In the context of animal attacks, it's important to understand these time constraints so you don’t lose your chance to seek justice and compensation.

As a general rule, you have three years from the date of the animal attack injury to make a personal injury claim. This three-year period is known as the 'limitation period'. If legal proceedings are not started in court within this time, your claim will usually be barred and you may not be able to claim animal attack compensation.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance:

• If the injured person is a child: the three-year countdown starts from the date of their 18th birthday, not the date of the accident. This means a claim can be made on their behalf until they turn 21.
• If the injured person lacks mental capacity: the limitation period may not apply if the person injured by the animal lacks the mental capacity to make a claim themselves.
• If the person involved in the accident dies: in cases where an animal attack tragically results in death, the time limits for making a claim will be adjusted accordingly. In fatal cases, the three-year limitation period can begin from either:
  - The date of the death, if death occurred later than the date of the attack
  - The date when the person pursuing the claim became aware of the connection between the death and the animal attack. This is often referred to as the ‘date of knowledge’.

Given the complexities of these rules, we recommend getting in touch with our expert personal injury team as soon as possible following an animal attack. Acting quickly will help you avoid the risk of missing any deadlines, and also aids the collection of evidence, which can be more straightforward closer to the time of the incident.

We'll always be upfront about these timelines and work diligently to prepare and advance your claim, always with your best interests at heart.

One of the main concerns people often have when considering a claim is the cost. We aim to make legal support accessible to everyone, and we provide a range of funding options to suit your needs:

• No win, no fee agreements: also known as conditional fee agreements (CFAs), these arrangements mean that if your claim is unsuccessful, you won't have to pay our legal fees. If your claim is successful, a portion of your compensation will cover our fees, meaning you'll never be out of pocket.
• Legal expenses insurance: you may already have legal expenses cover as part of your home or car insurance policy, which could be used to fund your claim. We can help you check your policies to see if this is an option for you.
• Trade union funding: if you're a member of a trade union, they may be able to provide funding for your claim.

We're committed to transparency and will discuss all available options with you at the outset, helping you to understand the best way to fund your claim. Everyone deserves access to justice, and we'll make sure that the cost is not a barrier for you to claim compensation that you are entitled to.