Animal Attack Lawyer
An animal attack can be frightening and life-changing. Whether you’ve suffered a dog bite, a horse-riding accident, trampling by a cow or another type of animal-related injury, you may face physical injuries, emotional trauma, time off work and unexpected financial strain.
At Switalskis, our specialist animal attack solicitors understand how overwhelming this can feel. We’re here to guide you through the process of making an animal injury claim. We offer clear, straightforward advice without unnecessary legal jargon, support you at every of your animal attack claim journey, and work to secure the compensation you need to aid your recovery.
However your accident occurred, if we can prove that it wasn't your fault, our legal team will be able to secure the compensation you deserve. With Switalskis on your side, you'll get a team of committed allies who’ll strive for the best possible outcome for you, and take care of the legal parts of your case so you can focus on recovery.
To see if you are eligible for a claim, please call our specialist animal attack claims team on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.
Our personal injury specialists are accredited by the Law Society, Headway and APIL, reflecting the skill and dedication we bring to every case.
We’ve been helping injured people for decades, securing millions in compensation to cover rehabilitation, lost earnings, care, and future needs.
We understand how difficult life can feel after a serious injury. You’ll have a solicitor by your side who listens, supports you, and keeps everything clear and straightforward.
Access to justice should never depend on finances. Many of our cases are funded on a “no win, no fee” basis, so you won’t pay anything unless your claim succeeds.
Switalskis has an experienced team of animal attack solicitors dedicated to supporting people after serious injuries. We listen, reassure and guide you through every step of your claim with specialist legal advice. We understand the trauma an attack can cause, and we’ll work tirelessly to secure the animal injury compensation you need to move forward.
Being injured in an animal attack can disrupt every part of your life. At Switalskis, we’ll help you rebuild. Our role goes beyond legal representation. We act as your partner, standing beside you as you seek recovery and justice.
Every case is different. Whether your claim involves a dog bite, a horse-riding accident, a wild animal attack or another type of animal-related injury, we take the time to understand your circumstances, tailor our approach and fight for a resolution that meets both your current and future needs.
From the moment you contact us, we aim to make the claims process as straightforward as possible. We’ll handle the legal complexities by gathering evidence, negotiating settlements and representing your interests, while keeping you fully informed in clear, simple language. With Switalskis, you can feel confident and supported throughout your animal attack claim.
Starting an animal attack claim can seem daunting, but we're here to simplify the process for you. Here's a step-by-step guide on how we help you through the process:
An initial meeting allows us to understand your circumstances, evaluate the merits of your claim, and give you an idea of what to expect throughout the process.
If you decide to proceed, we'll start gathering evidence to support your claim . This could include medical reports, photographs of your injuries, witness statements, and any available police or animal control records. We'll also assess whether there were any breaches of legal duties or guidelines by the animal's owner.
Once we have all the necessary details, we'll prepare and submit your claim to the party at fault or their insurer. We'll present a clear and compelling case, detailing the incident, your injuries, and the impact on your life.
The defendant's insurer will review the claim and respond. In most cases, they accept liability and offer a settlement, and we'll negotiate for a fair compensation amount. In rare circumstances, they may dispute the claim.
If we can’t reach a satisfactory settlement, or liability is denied, we may need to take your case to court. If this happens, we'll guide you through the court process , preparing you for any hearings and representing your interests at all times.
When your claim is successful, we'll arrange for the compensation to be paid to you. You may receive this as a lump sum or in instalments.
Incidents involving animals are governed under the Animals Act 1971. Depending on the circumstances and severity of your injuries, you may also be able to pursue a criminal injury compensation claim.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of dog bite injuries in the UK, both by dangerous pets and strays. Our expert solicitors can guide you every step of a dog bite claim, protect your rights and ensure 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 take into account both the physical consequences and any injuries. This includes (PTSD) that can occur after a dog attack.
For more information on dog bite claims, visit our dedicated page.
Horse riding, while a rewarding activity, comes with its own set of risks. Accidents can affect professional riders, those who enjoy equestrian activities as a hobby, and those working with horses or near to horses on the ground. It's important to work with a specialist team on an equestrian claim, as factors such as the nature of the accident, horse behaviour, riding equipment, and the conditions under which you were riding all play a part in these cases. At Switalskis, our animal attack solicitors offer clear and supportive advice for equestrian claims.
We handle a wide variety of equestrian claims, including those involving:
Whatever your circumstances, our dedicated team will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, securing relevant evidence, and speaking to witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
Incidents involving cows can cause severe injuries, and in the worst cases, even fatalities. Handling a cow accident claim requires specific knowledge of laws and regulations governing livestock and public safety. At Switalskis, our team has extensive experience, and we understand the impact of factors such as the behaviour of the cow, the conditions in the location where the incident happened, and the responsibilities of the livestock owner. If farmers failed to ensure paths were safe to walk on or display clear warning signs that cattle were in their field, you may be entitled to compensation.
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, and our dedicated team will investigate every aspect of your case, gather the necessary evidence and stand by you throughout the legal process.
You usually have three years from the date of an animal attack injury to make a personal injury claim. This three-year period is known as the 'limitation period'. In some cases, this may begin on the date when the person pursuing the claim became aware of the connection between their injury and the animal attack. This is often referred to as the ‘date of knowledge’. If the person involved in the accident dies, a loved one will have three years from the date of the death to claim on their behalf.
If legal proceedings are not started in court within this time, your claim will usually be barred and you may lose your chance to claim animal attack compensation. However, there are some exceptions to the three-year rule. For instance:
Given the complexities of these rules, we recommend contacting 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 is more easily available closer to the time of the incident.
Compensation from an animal attack claim should cover physical and emotional pain, loss of earnings, future loss of income, medical costs and any other expenses related to your injury. The compensation you receive is designed to put you back in the financial position you would have been in if the accident hadn’t happened.
Animal attack compensation is generally broken into two parts:
Every claim is unique, and the compensation you may be entitled to will be based on the specific circumstances of your case. At Switalskis, we make sure every aspect of your claim is considered and calculated appropriately, and we'll strive to secure a compensation package that reflects the true impact the incident has had on your life.
In cases where you do not know who was responsible for a dangerous animal, you may be able to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. This organisation has its own guidelines and the process of making a claim is different. Your solicitor can discuss the details of your case with you to help you understand how to claim and how much compensation you should expect.
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:
We're committed to transparency and will discuss all available options with you at the outset, so you can decide 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.
If you've suffered an animal attack, it's essential to take certain steps to ensure your claim has the best chance of success. It may feel overwhelming in the moment, but the following advice can make a difference to the outcome of your case:
Taking these steps immediately after an animal attack can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome, as every bit of information and evidence can build a strong case. Switalskis has an excellent track record of success, and our team of expert solicitors will assist you in collecting this evidence to build the best claim possible.
A dog attack is a distressing incident that can leave you with lifelong physical injuries and psychological trauma. The effects of these serious injuries on your life are reflected in the penalties for the owners of dangerous dogs and the damages awarded in dog bite compensation claims.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be wondering what steps to take next. Whether the dog is a stray dog, a neighbour’s pet or a guard dog, a dog bite incident can have legal and medical consequences.
Equestrian sports, while exhilarating and rewarding, carry inherent risks, with head injuries being among the most serious. Concussions, in particular, can have long-lasting effects on a rider’s health and wellbeing. Understanding the signs of concussion and the associated risks is crucial for all horse riders.
Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, and children may face lifelong injuries if they are attacked by a dog. Children are particularly vulnerable because they cannot read a dog's body language, and may not be aware that a dog is dangerous.
In some cases, you can make a compensation claim on behalf of a loved one who died from or injuries that were caused by an accident. Even with legal and emotional support from Switalskis, these situations can be difficult. Our experts have put together this bereavement guide to help you cope during your period of grief.
If you’ve started the process of making a personal injury claim and are unhappy with your solicitor, the good news is that it’s easy to switch. Switalskis will handle the process on your behalf, and pick up your claim where it left off. Find out more about how we can help in our guide to switching solicitors.
An animal attack compensation claim relies on strong evidence. You and your solicitor need to prove that the animal's owner or handler was negligent, and that this caused you to suffer an injury.
The evidence we'll use to build your claim includes:
The Switalskis team will try to gather as much evidence as we can to build the strongest possible case. Our experience with many different types of personal injury claim means we can collect vital evidence that will prove that you were injured, that someone else was responsible and that you're owed compensation as a result.
Most animal attack claims are settled out of court. This means that the negligent party accepts that they are liable and agrees to pay you compensation after reviewing the evidence. In these claims, you do not need to attend a court hearing and your solicitor will handle the formalities with the negligent party or their insurance company where relevant.
In some cases, the other party will dispute their liability and our personal injury claim experts may take it to court. Even in these cases, the claim is often settled before the court hearing arrives.
If you work with Switalskis, our expert personal injury solicitors will present your case in court and argue for the compensation you're owed. You may need to attend court and give a statement or answer questions from the other party, but most animal attack compensation claims won't require you to be in court for a long time, if at all. Our team will prepare you for this well in advance, and the bulk of the responsibility for your claim will remain with us.
At Switalskis, we offer a no win, no fee claims process for animal attacks. This is also known as a conditional fee agreement, and means that we are only paid if we make a successful claim for you. There are no upfront fees and no legal fees if the claim is unsuccessful, which means that a no win, no fee agreement allows people to make animal attack claims without financial risk.
Responsibility for an animal attack typically falls on the owner or keeper of the animal. For species defined as dangerous (under the Animals Act 1971), the owner is usually strictly liable for any injuries, regardless of whether the animal was provoked or whether the owner took precautions. Similarly, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 identifies certain dog breeds that are considered inherently dangerous, and owners are responsible for ensuring these animals do not pose a threat.
In animal compensation claims involving domesticated animals, it may depend on whether or not the owner was behaving negligently in caring for the animal. We must consider whether the injury resulted from specific characteristics of the individual animal and whether the owner knew about this. For example, if you were injured by an animal with aggressive or biting tendencies and the owner did not take steps to prevent the attack, you will usually be eligible to make an animal injury claim.
An animal owner could also be considered negligent if they failed to take reasonable precautions, such as securing a garden gate, putting a muzzle on an aggressive dog in public, or allowing children near a potentially aggressive animal without supervision. If you're hurt by an animal, our animal injury lawyers can help you to determine who was responsible and support you to seek compensation.
Your employer is responsible for upholding your safety while you're at work and, if you're injured by an animal in these circumstances, you may be able to claim. Employers must be sure that animals on their premises do not pose a risk to employees, customers or visitors, and failure to minimise this risk could establish liability. Similarly, if injuries from bites, scratches or attacks by animals are a known risk in your industry and safety measures are not in place, employers may be liable.
You can make an animal injury claim for a range of physical, and financial impacts of your injury. Claims can be made for:
The types of compensation available will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, including the severity and long-term impact of the injuries sustained.
Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.
Though claiming compensation might not be your first thought following an accident, making a claim can help you in more ways than you think. At Switalskis, our expert and compassionate solicitors will work on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Animal attack compensation claims can seem complicated, but understanding them doesn't need to be. We’re committed to unravelling complex legal jargon into clear, comprehensible language. We answer your queries, simplify what's complicated, and make sure you understand each stage of the process fully.
Our team is invested in understanding your unique circumstances. We listen to your worries, respect your feelings, and offer mindful advice for your specific situation. To us, you're not just a client; you're a person undergoing a tough time. We’re here to provide our unwavering support.
When dealing with something as critical as an animal attack compensation claim, you need assurance that you're in trustworthy hands. Switalskis boasts decades of experience and a proven track record in handling animal injury compensation claims. We're dedicated to advocating for your rights and working towards the most favourable outcome for you. Many of our solicitors are recognised specialists in their field, accredited by the Law Society .
Our team is motivated to defend your rights and make your voice heard. We'll guide you at each step of the animal attack claim process, making sure you're well-informed and feel confident to make the right decisions. Trust us to turn a challenging situation into a journey towards justice and recovery.
Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:
Accident at work claim
Animal attack claims
Asbestos compensation
Assault solicitors
Bar and nightclub accident claims
Beauty treatment compensation
Burns injury compensation
Claim for carpal tunnel syndrome
Commercial fishing accident claims
Construction accident claims
Cuts and bruises
Cycle accident claims
Dog bite compensation
Electrocution compensation cases
Event stadium claims
Eye injury compensation
Farm worker accident compensation claims
Fatal accident compensation
Faulty product
Festival injury claims
Fracture injury compensation claim
Gym Injury Compensation Claims
Head injury compensation claims
HGV driver claims
Holiday accident
Holiday illness
Animal attacks can leave you with a difficult combination of physical injuries and emotional turmoil, but you don’t have to face this alone. Our team of legal professionals is here to understand your unique situation, and tirelessly pursue the best possible outcome for your animal attack claim.
Reach out to Switalskis today by calling 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us via our website to discuss your concerns confidentially with a legal specialist.