How Dog Owners Can Protect Themselves From Facing An Accident Claim
The laws in the UK are written to help protect the public avoid being victims of dog related attacks. In 1991 the Dangerous Dog Act was passed, which lists which breeds of dog are considered especially dangerous. If a dog is on the list then it must be registered and insured, tattooed and have an implant and be muzzled and on a lead when in public. In incidents where a dog attack takes place and the owner has not followed these guidelines then they can face a fine and even imprisonment in addition to a likely accident claim from the victim.
Rise in dog attacks
A study in 2009 detailed how despite the introduction of the Dangerous Dog Act, attacks by dogs has still increased by almost 40% since 1998 An alarming finding of the study was that over 100 members of the public need hospital treatment every week due to injuries sustained in dog attacks.
The risk of being a dog owner
Victims of dog attacks are able to pursue and accident claim to seek compensation for any physical and mental injuries that they have suffered. The severity of injuries and mental trauma sustained is the deciding factor on just how much compensation will be received. A claim can be brought by the victim of the attack irrespective of whether the dog is listed as a dangerous breed.
Insuring your dog
More and more dog owners in the UK are protecting themselves in the event that their dog commits an attack through taking out an insurance policy. Dog owners must meet the costs of any claim if they do not have special dog insurance and their home insurance doesn’t cover such an incident. Meeting these kinds of costs can prove very expensive.
Advice
It makes sense for all dog owners to have third party insurance, and if you own a dog that is considered a dangerous breed then this especially applies to you. Also, be a responsible owner and follow the guidelines set in place to minimise the chance of your dog committing an attack. If you own a dangerous dog then muzzling it is certainly the most important action to take. If you choose not to follow this advice then you leave yourself open to an accident claim.

Posted January 31, 2011
Comments(0)