Medical bills can pile up quickly, time off work can affect your income, and the injuries themselves can reduce your quality of life. If you have been injured by an animal and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation – giving you the best chance of recovery from whatever injury you have sustained.

At Crimmins Howard, our team of expert animal attack solicitors will ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible. We’ll listen to your story, provide you with practical legal advice and draw upon every possible resource we can to make sure that the injuries you’ve suffered aren’t ignored. We’re here to make the experience as straight forward as possible.

Types of animal attacks

Animal attacks are often associated with dogs, but it includes attacks from many different animals in a variety of situations – such as injuries sustained in petting zoos, farms, pet shops, animal sanctuaries, wildlife parks or horse-riding centres. It also includes animal attacks that take place in public spaces, local parks, or while visiting someone’s home or business as an invited guest.

Dogs – One of the most common forms of animal attack, dog attacks are often caused by aggressive or untrained dogs and often result in serious injuries. Our team of expert animal attack solicitors can help to bring a claim where you have been bitten or mauled by:

• a dangerous or out of control dog;
• dog that you have been invited to pet by its handler; or
• a dog that was alone at the time of the attack.

Horses and farm animals – Due to their sheer size, injuries from horses and other farm animals can have a devastating impact. Our team of expert animal attack solicitors can help to bring a claim where you have been:‍

• kicked, crushed or bitten by a horse or thrown from its back;
• kicked, crushed or charged by a bull, cow or other heavy livestock; or
• bitten or injured from animals at petting zoos/farms.

Exotic animals – An increasingly popular form of pet and attraction, exotic animals bring with them a raft of dangers – not least because the majority of them have not been domesticated. Our team of expert animal attack solicitors can help bring a claim where you have been:‍

• bitten or constricted by a snake or other reptile;
• bitten or stung by a spider;
• injured by small exotic animals such as parrots or lizards; or
• injured from an animal in a zoo or wildlife park.

Who is responsible?

People and organisations have an obligation to handle their animals in a way that will not cause harm to others. If you have been injured in an animal attack, it may be because there was a failure on the part of the animal owner in their duty of care.

Any claim of injury will usually be against the legal owner of the animal – many of whom will be pet owners or farmers.

However, complications can arise in situations where the duty of care does not rest solely with the legal owner of the animal. Motorists, for example, may have a duty of care when approaching horses on the road. If a horse becomes spooked due to the recklessness or carelessness of a motorist and it results in an injury to a horse rider or a member of the public, liability may rest with that motorist.

In any event, the majority of animal attacks will be covered by insurance – be it pet insurance, public liability insurance (commercial or residential) or motor insurance. Although the presence of insurance is not a requirement, it does make it easier to achieve a swift and smooth conclusion to any claim.

If you have been injured in an animal attack and are unsure who is to blame, our team expert animal attack solicitors will be able to help you identify the person or organisation responsible.

Time limits

‍It is important to bear in mind that animal attack claims should be initiated as soon as possible as there are strict time periods for doing so. Generally speaking, a claim must be made within two years from the date of the incident. If the injured person is a child, this time limit only starts running once the they turn 18.

Get in touch

Although it’s important that you act quickly, it’s just as important for you choose a firm that has a proven track record in taking and winning animal attack cases. We are that firm. With Crimmins Howard, you can be certain that we have the knowledge, experience, and drive to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Moreover, we understand that legal fees can be a big cause for concern, particularly if you are no longer able to work or if you are caring for a loved one. That is why we offer a free initial, no obligation consultation.