We have recovered £20,000 compensation for a client who was bitten at work by a dog.
Background to the dog bite claim
Jasmine Moxey-Butler has successfully secured £20,000 in compensation for a boarding kennels worker who was seriously injured after being attacked by a dog at work.
Our client was carrying out her usual duties at the kennels when a dog suddenly attacked her, biting both of her hands. Despite working in an environment involving animals, she had not been provided with any form of protective safety clothing.
The injuries were not only physically painful but also had a lasting impact on her day-to-day life.
As this was a claim against our client’s employer and the value was expected to fall within the relevant compensation limits, the case was submitted through the Rapid Claims Portal by way of a Claim Notification Form (CNF).
The Portal is a streamlined claims process designed to deal with lower to moderate value personal injury claims, including accidents at work. It sets out strict timetables for responses and is intended to encourage early admission of liability and prompt settlement where appropriate.
Submitting the claim via the Portal ensured:
- The claim was formally presented to the employer’s insurers at an early stage
- Clear deadlines were imposed for a liability response
- The matter progressed efficiently and in accordance with procedural rules
However, despite the structured process and clear presentation of the claim, our client’s employer denied liability. When claims are denied many claimants feel discouraged. However, Jasmine provided clear, pragmatic advice and reassured our client that the denial could be robustly challenged with the right evidence.
Obtaining medical evidence to support the compensation claim
Jasmine advised our client on the strength of her case and the importance of obtaining detailed medical evidence to support the claim. With her guidance, we progressed the claim and gathered comprehensive expert evidence.
We instructed leading medical experts to assess her condition:
- A clinical psychologist confirmed that our client was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and required psychological treatment to help alleviate her symptoms.
- A Consultant Plastic Surgeon confirmed permanent scarring to both hands. The expert also found evidence consistent with either trauma-induced carpal tunnel syndrome or direct injury to the median nerve, leading to scarring and persistent symptoms. Recommendations included:
- Laser therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Further investigations into potential peripheral nerve surgery
Given the extent of the visible scarring, we also obtained a report from a Skin Camouflage Consultant, who advised on specialist products and their associated costs, as well as recommending medical needling as an alternative treatment option.
Once all medical evidence had been obtained, Jasmine prepared a detailed Schedule of Loss. This carefully documented:
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- The cost of medical aids and recommended treatments
- Loss of earnings
- Care and assistance provided by our client’s partner
- All anticipated future treatment costs and associated expenses
Out of court settlement of the claim
Jasmine issued court proceedings to apply pressure on the Defendant and progress the claim.
As a result of this robust approach, the Defendant reconsidered their position, admitted liability and made a substantial counteroffer. Following careful advice from Jasmine, our client was delighted to accept the settlement of £20,000.
Our client went on to kindly leave us a 5-star review on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors, where we have over 1,700 positive reviews and are ranked among the top firms dealing with dog bites.
She wrote:
“I can’t thank Jasmine, Isabel and the whole Slee Blackwell team enough. I contacted them for help following a very traumatic dog attack. The service that I received was so much more than I ever could have asked for. They were incredibly compassionate and friendly and understood that my scars weren’t just physical but also emotional, and supported me throughout the whole process. Communication was 10/10 as they made sure I was up to date with every decision and development. I can’t recommend them enough!! Thank you!!”
This case demonstrates the importance of early specialist legal advice in workplace injury claims. Jasmine Moxey-Butler has considerable experience in employer liability cases and works closely with clients to ensure their injuries, treatment needs and financial losses are fully evidenced and properly valued.
How we can help if you’ve been bitten by a dog at work
Our recommended no win, no fee, SRA regulated solicitors specialise in dog bite cases and have extensive experience in pursuing legal claims against employers.
If you have been bitten by a dog at work and would like to know where you stand, then contact our team for a free consultation and details of our popular No Win, No Fee funding scheme.
