Compensation awarded for injuries following dog attack
Three young children are to receive compensation following a vicious dog bite attack in a school playground in Norfolk .
The most seriously injured child, a 10 year old, had to have their ear sown back on after being attacked by a Staffordshire Bull terrier which had escaped from a garden near the school in West Earlham .
The dog had shown no previous signs of aggression, but was destroyed immediately following the accident. It was being looked after by its owner’s mother, whilst she was at work. She had had it since it was a puppy.
One of the other two children suffered a bite to the knee. The owner’s mother, who admitted the dog had been dangerously out of control whilst in her care, had not been aware that the dog had been missing for at least 40 minutes before the attack, as the garden was enclosed by a 5ft high fence. She was ordered to pay a total £1,240 in compensation, with the most seriously injured child awarded £1,000.
Passing sentence at Norwich Magistrates' Court, chairman John Farrow said the bench wanted to ‘send out a wider message to the dog-owning public that they do have serious responsibilities. The harm done was substantial in that the children suffered quite severely. But we find that it (the offence) was negligent rather than intentional or reckless.’
Following the verdict the mother of the girl who was most seriously hurt, said she was ‘very happy’ to have won the claim. ‘I'm happy with the outcome’ she said ‘A wider message is definitely what's needed. People with dogs need to sit up and take note that they have responsibilities — I agree with that totally.’
She said that the physical scars her daughter received had healed well thanks to the ‘fantastic job’ the surgeons did at the hospital, but admitted the mental scars were still there.
How we can help following a dog bite attack
If you or someone you know has been attacked or bitten by a dog, then the person who was in control of, or responsible for the dog at the time may be liable to pay compensation.
Even the most docile of breeds can behave unpredictably, for no apparent reason. When dogs are aggressive and people are the victims the consequences can be horrific, especially with children, who may be smaller than a large dog and are less able to defend themselves.
If you have been injured following a dog bite, we can help you make a claim against the dog owner’s insurance company or under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Call us now for free legal advice on 0800 197 32 32.
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