There appears to be an increasing number of people who sustain injuries as a result of either being attacked or bitten by dogs. Many people who receive injuries as a result of a dog attack are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation for the injuries that they have sustained and the effects of those injuries.
In South Australia owners of a dog are liable in tort for injury or damage that is caused by their animal, this can include injuries caused as a result of a dog attack or bite.
Depending on the circumstances of a dog attack an injured person may be entitled to claim the cost of reasonable medical treatment that they require due of the injuries sustained in the attack.
There are a number of other things that they may be able to claim for. Other possible entitlements include:
Compensation for non-economic loss
This is sometimes referred to as a pain and suffering payment. This type of payment takes into account the type of injury sustained, the severity and duration of the injury and the effect that the injury has on an injured person’s ability to undertake their normal activities.
Economic Loss
If a person is restricted or prevented from working as a result of injuries sustained they may also be entitled to claim for economic loss. This is normally assessed in relation to two separate categories. Firstly, past economic loss, which takes into account any loss of earnings a person suffers from the date of injury until settlement. Secondly, future economic loss or a loss of chance, which relates to any future limitations or restrictions that a person may have for work as a result of their injuries.
Gratuitous Services
In some cases an injured person may require assistance with performance of their normal daily activities as a result of their injuries they have sustained. If assistance is provided by a parent spouse or child of the injured person then that may also be compensable.
Future Medical Treatment
An injured person is also normally able to claim a contribution to any future medication or treatment costs that they may incur as a result of the injuries sustained as a result of a dog attack.
Pursuing a claim for injuries sustained as a result of a dog attack can be complex and confusing. If you are injured as a result of a dog attack or bite you should seek experienced legal advice. Time frames apply in relation to these types of claims. Therefore, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after sustaining an injury.
If you would like to meet with one of our experienced personal injury solicitors please contact us or call 1800 324 324 to arrange an appointment.