Cyclist bitten by a dog wins compensation after changing solicitors
Dr B was cycling along a country road in Cumbria. As he passed a farmhouse two dogs came running out and chased after him. Dr B was forced to stop cycling after one of the dogs bit his leg. The entire incident was caught on Dr B’s bike camera.
Initially Dr B contacted his legal insurance providers to deal with the claim on his behalf. However, they were unable to find the owner of the dog that bit him and failed to progress the case. He therefore decided to get a second opinion.
Dr B contacted our specialist dog bite team and we agreed to deal with his compensation claim on a no win, no fee basis.
Lawyer Jasmine Moxey-Butler hired a tracing agent and quickly located the dog’s owner. Jasmine then made a compensation claim, arguing that not only had the dog’s owner been negligent, but had also failed to comply with Rule 56 of the Highway Code which states: “Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Keep it on a short lead when walking on the pavement, road or path…”.
The dog owner admitted liability for the incident and medical reports were obtained from a plastic surgeon and a consultant clinical psychologist detailing Dr B’s injuries.
Discussions with the owner’s insurance company then resulted in an out of court settlement being reached.
Dr B therefore went from thinking that he would not be able to get any justice to receiving a sum of compensation. He emailed his thanks to Jasmine, commenting:
“I’ve much appreciated your specialist knowledge in regard to my situation, which allowed you to make an accurate judgment of the way to proceed – something that was frustratingly lacking in my insurer’s legal services. From the outset you explained very clearly and without exaggeration what was possible and your estimate of the outcome – I think you’ve actually exceeded what you thought initially. I’m pleased and relieved with the result and delighted that I found you and engaged you to act for me. I’m also pleased to be vindicated in this matter as, no matter what the financial outcome, it will hopefully protect me and other cyclists and pedestrians from future attacks at this farm and other properties as both the owners and their insurers are encouraged to improve the security of such sites – if only to avoid further legal proceedings.”
If you are a cyclist bitten by a dog and you are looking for experienced solicitors to deal with your claim then call our free helpline on 0333 888 0404 or email [email protected]
