Dog bite claims in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are undoubtedly on the rise. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Northern Ireland, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Lacey Solicitors, we are recognised as leading personal injury and insurance lawyers, and we have extensive experience helping victims of dog attacks secure the compensation they deserve.
Rise in Dog Attacks Across Northern Ireland
Dog bite incidents are becoming more common across the UK and Northern Ireland. A significant rise in attacks has been attributed to unsocialised “pandemic puppies”—dogs acquired during the COVID-19 lockdown period with limited exposure to other people and animals.
In fact, Northern Ireland ranks as the third worst area in the UK for dog attacks on postal workers, with nearly 50 incidents recorded between 2020 and 2021. And this doesn’t even include attacks that resulted in GP visits or unreported incidents.
The increasing number of serious injuries—including those suffered by children, postal workers, tradespeople, and pedestrians—is deeply concerning. At Lacey Solicitors, we understand the physical and psychological toll of such injuries and are committed to helping victims through every stage of the legal process.
What Are Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite?
In Northern Ireland, the law is clear. Under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, the keeper of a dog (not just the owner) is civilly and criminally liable if the dog attacks another person. If you’ve been bitten, you can bring a claim for damages—even if:
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The dog had never attacked anyone before
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The dog was on a lead
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The attack took place in a public or private space
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The dog did not bite but caused injury by knocking you over
It is also important to know that a dog does not have to bite to create liability. If the dog’s behaviour caused fear or led to an accident (e.g., knocking someone down or causing a road traffic accident), the keeper may still be held responsible.
Common Defences to Dog Bite Claims
There are a few defences a dog keeper might raise, such as:
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The injured party provoked the dog
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The injured party was negligent (e.g., approaching the dog unsafely)
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The dog was under the control of another responsible person at the time as seen in th 1987 Northern Ireland case of Morrison v Miller.
For example, in the Northern Ireland case Neeson v Acheson (2008), a claimant who was bitten on the face received £6,000 in compensation, reduced by £2,000 due to her own contributory negligence. The court found that Acheson was liable under the statute as the keeper of the dog, but also considered contributory negligence on Neeson’s part.Despite Neeson’s familiarity with the dog, her action of putting her face close to the dog was deemed foolish, contributing to the incident. The court concluded that the primary cause of the injuries was the unexpected reaction of the dog.
Types of Dog Attack Claims We Handle
At Lacey Solicitors, we represent clients in a wide range of dog-related injury cases, including:
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Bites and lacerations
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Facial and bodily scarring
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Fractures caused by being knocked over
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Psychological trauma and dog phobia
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Injuries to children
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Dog attacks on workers, including postal and delivery staff
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Dog Bite Claim in Northern Ireland?
Compensation for a dog bite in Northern Ireland is typically calculated using the Green Book—the official guidelines for personal injury matters in Northern Ireland. The value of your claim will depend on:
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The severity of your injuries (physical and psychological)
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Any permanent scarring (especially to the face)
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Loss of earnings
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Care costs
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Travel and rehabilitation expenses
At Lacey Solicitors, we work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your loss is accounted for and that you receive maximum compensation.
What Should You Do After a Dog Attack?
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, take the following steps:
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Seek immediate medical attention
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Obtain the contact details of the dog’s owner or keeper
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Take photographs of your injuries, the dog, and the scene
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Report the incident to the police
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Get contact details for any witnesses
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Record your version of events while it is fresh in your mind
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Contact Lacey Solicitors for legal advice
Do I Have a Time Limit to Claim?
Yes. In Northern Ireland, you typically have three years from the date of the incident to bring a personal injury claim. For children, the three-year time limit begins when they turn 18.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bite Claims in Northern Ireland
Can I claim if the dog was on a lead?
Yes. Being on a lead does not remove the owner’s responsibility if the dog bites or causes harm.
What if I was knocked down but not bitten?
You may still be entitled to compensation. Injuries caused by a dog’s behaviour—even without a bite—can form the basis of a claim.
Is the owner liable if the dog has never bitten before?
Yes. There is no requirement for the dog to have a history of aggression.
Can I claim if I was working when the dog bit me?
Yes. Workers such as postal staff, carers, and delivery drivers are among the most frequently injured by dogs. You can bring a claim even if you were on private property.
Will home insurance cover my claim?
In many cases, the dog owner’s home insurance policy may cover the claim. We will investigate all available insurance options when handling your case.
Why Choose Lacey Solicitors for Dog Bite Claims in Northern Ireland?
Lacey Solicitors are trusted experts in insurance and personal injury law across Northern Ireland. We provide:
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Specialist legal advice from experienced solicitors
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Clear and compassionate communication throughout your case
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A no-nonsense approach to recovering compensation quickly and effectively
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Support in gathering evidence and dealing with insurers
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Representation in court if required
You don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’ve been injured by a dog, we are here to help.
Contact Lacey Solicitors Today
To speak with a member of our dedicated personal injury team, call us today on 028 90896540 or email info@laceysolicitors.com. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form and a solicitor will contact you shortly.
Let Lacey Solicitors help you secure the compensation you deserve.
