Case study of a successful claim for compensation for a dog bite, where the victim received an award of £55,000.
Our specialist SRA regulated dog bite solicitors have successfully secured £55,000 in compensation for a young child who suffered serious facial injuries and lasting psychological harm following a dog attack.
The settlement was approved by the court, ensuring that the child’s compensation is safeguarded for the future.
Serious dog bite injury to a child
The young child was suddenly and without warning attacked by a dog while on private premises.
The incident resulted in:
- Multiple deep facial lacerations
- Loss of a front milk tooth
- Emergency hospital treatment under general anaesthetic
- A period of in-patient recovery
Despite prompt medical care, the injuries caused permanent facial scarring in a highly visible area. The child also experienced complications, including swelling and infection, which ultimately required further surgical treatment.
Long-term impact of facial scarring and psychological trauma
Our experienced dog bite team, led by solicitor James McNally (known in the media as ‘the dog bite solicitor‘), obtained detailed independent medical evidence from leading experts, including:
- A Consultant Plastic Surgeon
- A Chartered Psychologist
- A Specialist Skin Camouflage Consultant
Although surgery improved the appearance of the scars, the expert evidence confirmed that:
- The scarring remains permanent and visible at conversational distance
- The impact of facial injuries can intensify during adolescence
- The child developed an adjustment disorder following the attack
Early therapy has helped, but there remains a recognised risk of further psychological difficulties during the teenage years. Provision was therefore made for future therapeutic support and ongoing scar management.
Liability admitted – Focus on maximising the amount of compensation
Legal liability for the dog attack was admitted, allowing our team to focus fully on securing the maximum level of compensation for the child.
We carefully assessed the value of the claim by considering:
- Judicial College Guidelines
- Comparable court decisions
- The combined impact of physical and psychological injuries
- Future care, treatment, and support needs
This included the cost of:
- Further scar treatment and management
- Specialist camouflage products
- Future psychological therapy
What is an ‘infant approval hearing’?
When a compensation claim is settled on behalf of a child under the age of 18, the court must formally approve the terms of the settlement and the agreed amount of compensation.
At that hearing — known as an infant approval hearing — a judge will review:
- The medical evidence
- The legal advice provided, and
- The settlement figure
This ensures that the outcome is in the child’s best interests.
These hearings are usually straightforward, and the child is not required to give evidence.
Court approves the £55,000 settlement
Following negotiations, the claim settled for £55,000 plus legal costs.
The court approved this settlement, confirming that it properly reflected:
- The seriousness of the injuries
- The permanent scarring
- The psychological impact
- The child’s future needs
As is standard in child injury claims, the majority of the compensation was placed into a court-controlled account, where it will be protected until the child reaches adulthood.
Specialist support for dog bite claims involving children
This case highlights the serious and lasting impact a dog attack can have on a child, particularly where the injuries are to the face.
Our experienced dog bite solicitors take a careful, evidence-led and child-focused approach, ensuring that:
- All medical and psychological needs are fully understood
- Future risks are properly accounted for
- Compensation reflects both immediate and long-term impact
Contact Our Dog Bite Solicitors for a free consultation and details of No Win, No Fee funding
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, we are here to help.
Our specialist team can advise you on your legal options, the availability of No Win – No Fee funding, and guide you through the claims process with sensitivity and expertise.
Contact us today for a free consultation
