Dog Bite Claim Calculator UK
Estimate the potential compensation for your dog bite injury. This is an informational tool, not legal advice.
How is Dog Bite Compensation Calculated in the UK?
If you've been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. In the UK, a personal injury claim for a dog bite is typically split into two parts: General Damages and Special Damages. Our calculator uses these principles to provide an estimate.
1. General Damages
This part of the claim compensates you for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (PSLA) caused by the injury itself. The amount is not based on a simple formula but is determined by looking at guidelines set by the judiciary (the Judicial College Guidelines) and comparing your injury to previously decided cases. The compensation depends on:
- The severity of the initial pain.
- The extent of any scarring or permanent disfigurement.
- Any psychological impact, such as anxiety or PTSD.
- The impact on your daily life, hobbies, and social activities.
Our calculator uses average figures from these guidelines for different levels of injury severity.
2. Special Damages
This is compensation for any financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred as a direct result of the dog bite. These are tangible costs that can be calculated precisely. You should keep all receipts and records to prove these losses. Common examples include:
- Loss of Earnings: If you had to take time off work to recover.
- Medical Costs: This can include prescription charges, private physiotherapy, or counselling sessions.
- Travel Expenses: Costs for travelling to and from medical appointments.
- Damaged Property: The cost of replacing clothing, glasses, or a mobile phone damaged during the attack.
- Cost of Care: If you needed help from family or professionals with daily tasks during your recovery.
Using the Dog Bite Claim Calculator
To get your estimate, simply fill in the fields based on your situation:
- Injury Severity: Choose the category that best describes your physical injury. This is the most significant factor for General Damages.
- Loss of Earnings: Enter the total amount of income you have lost (after tax) due to being unable to work.
- Medical & Prescription Costs: Add up any costs for prescriptions, private treatments, or other medical aids.
- Travel Expenses: Calculate the total cost of transport to your GP, hospital, or therapy appointments.
- Other Losses: Include the value of any personal items that were damaged or destroyed in the incident.
Click "Calculate" to see a breakdown of your estimated claim value.
Example Dog Bite Claim Calculation
Let's consider a scenario: A delivery driver is bitten on the forearm while dropping off a parcel. The bite leaves two deep puncture wounds and results in noticeable scarring after it heals.
- Injury Severity: The driver selects "Moderate" due to the puncture wounds and scarring. The calculator assigns an estimated £6,000 for General Damages.
- Loss of Earnings: They were unable to work for one week, losing £500 in wages.
- Medical Costs: They paid for two prescriptions for antibiotics and specialist dressings, totalling £18.70.
- Travel Costs: They took taxis to the hospital and their GP for follow-ups, costing £45.
- Other Losses: Their work jacket was torn and ruined, valued at £60.
Calculation:
General Damages: £6,000
Special Damages: £500 (earnings) + £18.70 (medical) + £45 (travel) + £60 (jacket) = £623.70
Total Estimated Claim: £6,000 + £623.70 = £6,623.70
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The final amount of compensation awarded can be higher or lower depending on the specific details of your case, the evidence available, and negotiations with the other party's insurers. To get an accurate assessment of your claim, you should speak with a qualified personal injury solicitor.
Estimated Claim Breakdown
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