Injury claim news
12/12/2011

Man makes claim for police bullet personal injury

A man shot in the neck by a stray police bullet will sue for personal injury compensation, reports the Crewe Chronicle.

The November incident took place after two dogs escaped from his neighbour's home and bit a pedestrian and an officer.

Police shot and killed the larger of the two, a 10 stone rottweiler, judging it was dangerously out of control.

The victim, who was sitting in his living room next door, was hit by a ricochet that smashed a window and caused his neck injury.

A police spokeswoman said officers at the scene had no choice but to shoot the rampaging dog.

"The dog had hospitalised one member of the public and a police officer," she said.

"Officers felt it as such a threat to the safety of the public that a senior officer gave authority to use firearms if necessary."

"Rather than shoot the dog they sprayed it with pepper spray but then decided they had no choice but to shoot the dog – once permission to fire was given."

The victim said he was in contact with a personal injury solicitor.

"I want compensation for my injuries," he told reporters.

"I don't feel like I've had a lot of support from the police. All they did was board up the window and that was it."

An inspector from the Crew Neighbourhood Policing Unit described the incident as ‘unfortunate'.

"It was unfortunate and understandably must have been a shocking experience," he said.

"My team have been in contact with [the victim] to ensure that he gets the support and help he needs."

The value of compensation claimed by the victim's personal injury lawyer is yet to be revealed.