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Dog bite compensation claims

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a dog attack, our Public Liability experts have the skill and experience to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Public liability

Do I have a claim?

For a dog bite claim to be successful, your legal team will need to prove three things:

  1. A person, business, or organisation, such as an employer, owed you a duty of care, to the injured person

  2. The duty of care was breached. For example, a delivery worker is instructed to enter a property where a dangerous dog is known to be present

  3. As a result of this breach, the injured person is harmed by the dog and suffers loss.

Our Public Liability lawyers have a proven record when it comes to successful compensation claims for clients who’ve been seriously injured by dogs. Dog attacks can leave victims with physical injuries such as: 

  • open wounds, 

  • cellulitis, 

  • and broken bones. 

They can also cause psychological injuries, such as stress disorders and anxiety that may develop because of a traumatic attack. A public liability claim on behalf of the dog bite victim can ensure they have access to the best possible support during their recovery. 

If you are unsure whether you are eligible to claim dog bite compensation, our Public Liability experts are available to talk through your situation on a free, no-obligation basis. We’ll walk you through your rights and the legal process in plain English – no confusing legal jargon.

Check if you have a claim with our simple, free online tool. 

What we will ask:

  • Details about the accident and injuries that may have happened to you or your loved one

  • Basic personal information that is relevant and necessary for your compensation claim

What happens next:

  • Either book a no-obligation appointment with a public liability law expert right away, or

  • Speak with our team about your options

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms after being injured, and another person, business or organisation is responsible, you may be able to make a public liability claim.

To help you make a successful claim, we recommend collecting evidence as soon as possible after your injury.

This evidence may include:

Taking photographs of the injury, and the location where the injury occurred.

Writing down what happened to you. Recording the contact details of any witnesses.

Sharing with your lawyer a record of the report you made of your injury and any response you received from those responsible.

Keeping any medical record of your injury. This includes appointment dates, medical certificates and x-rays.

Recording any expenses or lost wages due to your injuries.

How Shine can help

We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.  

95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court. 

We offer access to affordable legal advice including on a No Win, No Fee* basis and an obligation-free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand. 

*Conditions apply

We are ready to take action against those at fault for your injuries and right wrong. 

Public liability FAQs

What do I do if I’ve been bitten by a dog?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important you: 

  1. Seek medical treatment immediately if required. 

  2. Once your injury is stable, monitor it over the coming weeks to ensure it is healing correctly. 

  3. If you have any health concerns, also seek professional medical advice. 

  4. If you’ve suffered a substantial loss due to the bite (whether financial, psychological or physical), seek legal advice from Shine Lawyers’ Public Liability team as soon as possible to determine your eligibility to claim.

How much can I claim for my injuries following a dog bite injury?

How much you can claim in a public liability case depends on the extent of your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life. 

Once you share your story with us, our experts will be able to give you a detailed understanding of your potential claim.

Your claim will be influenced by factors such as:

  • the severity of your injuries

  • your age

  • how much you have lost and will lose in wages and employment opportunities

  • how much care you need

Are there any dog bite lawyers near me?

With more than 40 branches across Australia and 1000+ team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers legal advice and support. 

If you’d like to speak to our public liability team in person, you can see our full list of locations here

If you aren‘t able to find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment or discuss the option to meet at a location that’s comfortable and convenient for you. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.

Do I need a lawyer for my dog bite claim?

It is possible to legally represent yourself when making a claim however, doing so successfully will likely require a thorough understanding of the law, your legal rights and entitlements, and a commitment to actively pursue the case to move it forward. 

Without an experienced public liability lawyer in your corner, it can be difficult to identify and highlight the strength of your case. 

Without the right legal advice and support, you then may not receive the compensation you deserve.

Why trust Shine with my dog bite compensation claim?

At Shine Lawyers, we put your first. We’ve been standing up for the rights of everyday Australians for over 45 years. As one of Australia’s largest litigation law firms, we are here to help you get the justice you deserve. 

Our empathy, understanding and expertise are why we’re ahead of the pack. We’ll stand with you and guide you through every step of the way. 

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