Whether you are an animal lover or not, there is nothing acceptable about being bitten by someone else’s dog. When this happens, emotions tend to flare – and both the dog owner and the injured party may have some very significant claims as to the cause of the injury.
So if you have been bitten by a dog and wish to make a dog bite personal injury claim, consulting a dog bite lawyer can help you to navigate compensation claims effectively. Speak to the personal injury lawyers at Owen Hodge or read on to learn more about your rights for dog attack compensation.
What constitutes a valid claim for dog bite compensation (NSW)?
Many people are unfamiliar with what types of dog bite injuries rise to the level of a dog bite personal injury claim. Most people believe that the dog must bite in a manner that causes the skin to break and/or bleeding to occur. But this is not always the case. An actionable claim can be made by a dog bite lawyer for the following animal-related injuries.
If you’ve been injured by a dog attack, you may be entitled to dog bite compensation, including coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological trauma. Compensation claims aren’t limited to severe physical injuries—psychological trauma is also recognised as a legitimate claim.
Even minor dog bite injuries can lead to successful compensation cases, particularly if they cause lasting emotional distress.
For example:
- A delivery worker successfully claimed dog attack compensation in NSW after suffering a minor bite but experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to return to work.
- A child who sustained small puncture wounds in a dog attack was awarded dog attack compensation due to ongoing anxiety and fear of animals.
Psychological impacts, such as anxiety, nightmares, or fear of dogs, can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Seeking legal advice from dog attack lawyers ensures you receive the full compensation you deserve for both physical and emotional suffering. If you’ve experienced a dog attack, explore your dog bite compensation options today to secure financial support for your recovery.
What type of injury is a dog bite?
A dog bite injury lawyer will explain to you that it can cover:
- Puncture wounds: those that cause the skin to break
- Bruising: which can come from being knocked over or rammed into by a charging dog
- Scaring: the result of a wound that either needs stitches or heals poorly
- Permanent damage to tissue and/or nerves: the result of a particularly deep puncture that reached muscle or nerve pathways
- Torn or damaged clothing and/or personal items
- Trauma: either emotional or physical as a result of the incident itself
Can you sue for a minor dog bite?
For dog attack lawyers every dog bite case is different, and whether or not it is worthwhile to lodge a dog bite compensation claim depends on a number of factors. In saying this while it can be tempting to minimise a dog bite, it’s important to always get medical attention and speak to a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights.
What qualifies as a minor dog bite injury?
Even superficial injuries from a dog bite can lead to successful compensation claims, particularly if they cause emotional distress, scarring, or infection risks. Minor injuries may include:
Scratches, bruises, or puncture wounds: even small wounds can lead to nerve damage, infection, or permanent scarring, affecting a person’s well-being.
Superficial bites that don’t require stitches: while the injury itself may not be severe, the trauma of the attack can cause anxiety and PTSD.
Minor wounds with psychological impact: a victim may develop a fear of dogs, making it difficult to return to daily activities, especially if they work outdoors or in delivery services.
Even if your injuries appear minor, you may still have a valid claim, so visit our personal injury claim page for expert guidance on seeking compensation.
Determining fault in a dog bite personal injury claim
The actions of the injured party
Is “who is at fault?” a question I need to be aware of when claiming for compensation? The answer is yes, you do need to concern yourself as to the extent your actions could have contributed to the dog bite injury happening. For example:
- If you approached the dog without warning to either the dog or the owner
- If you intentionally aggravated the dog by teasing the animal
- If you provoked the dog beyond the owner’s control
- If you intentionally physically harmed the dog
- If you entered the private property of the dog owner without an invitation
Therefore, if you are out in public and you see a dog that you want to approach, it is always best to stay at least the length of the leash apart from the dog and request permission from the owner to approach the animal.
How shared fault affects dog attack compensation in NSW
In some cases, shared fault—where the victim is partially responsible for the incident—can reduce the compensation amount. Under comparative negligence laws in NSW, compensation is adjusted based on each party’s level of responsibility.
For example:
- If a person ignored warning signs or provoked the dog, their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
- If a delivery worker was bitten while lawfully entering a property, the dog owner is primarily liable, but if the worker approached the dog despite visible aggression, their compensation could be partially reduced.
Even if partial fault applies, you may still be entitled to compensation.
How owner liability affects dog bite compensation
In NSW, dog owners are legally responsible for ensuring their pets do not cause harm. If a dog attacks in a public or private space, the owner may be held liable under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW). The owner of the dog is liable for damages if:
- The owner lost control of the dog
- The dog was off leash in a public place that required leashing
- If the dog was roaming unattended by its owner
- If the owner had bred the dog to be harmful to others
For example:
– Dog Attacks in Public Parks: a jogger was bitten by an unleashed dog in a public park.
– Despite signs requiring dogs to be leashed, the owner failed to restrain their pet and was held liable for medical costs and emotional distress.
– Dog escaping from a property: a child playing in their front yard was bitten by a dog that escaped through a broken fence. The owner was found negligent for failing to secure the dog and was ordered to compensate for physical injuries and psychological trauma.
– Attack on a delivery worker: a postal worker was attacked by a dog that was not properly secured within a fenced property. The owner was found liable as they did not take reasonable precautions to prevent access to the animal.
If you have any questions about dog attack compensation in NSW, don’t hesitate to reach out to our public liability lawyers.
What to do if you’ve been bitten by a dog
If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, you need to report it to the police immediately. Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, police officers have a wide range of powers to deal with dog bite incidents. Also, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and strengthen your compensation claim. Even minor bites can lead to infection, scarring, or psychological trauma, so it’s crucial to document everything and seek legal advice if needed.
1. Seek medical attention
- Clean the wound immediately with soap and water to reduce infection risk.
- If the bite is deep, seek medical help to determine if you need stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus shot.
- Keep records of all medical treatments, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and follow-up care.
2. Photograph your injuries
- Take clear photos of the wound, bruise, or scarring as soon as possible.
- Document the progression of healing or worsening symptoms over time.
- If clothing was damaged, photograph torn or bloodied fabric as additional evidence.
3. Collect witness information
- If anyone saw the attack, get their names and contact details—they may provide statements if needed.
- Ask nearby residents if they know of prior aggressive behaviour from the dog.
4. Report the incident
- Report the attack to your local council or animal control—this can help establish liability.
- If the dog was dangerously out of control, police involvement may be necessary.
5. Identify the dog and owner
- Get the owner’s name, address, and contact details.
- Note if the dog was off-leash, unrestrained, or unsupervised at the time of the attack.
6. Document everything for a compensation claim
- Keep a diary of pain levels, emotional distress, medical treatments, and work absences.
- If you suffer anxiety or PTSD after the attack, seek counselling or psychological support and keep records of these sessions.
7. Consider a compensation claim
You may be entitled to dog bite compensation under public liability law, covering medical bills, lost income, and psychological trauma. If the attack occurred due to negligence (e.g., an unleashed or aggressive dog in a public place), the owner may be held responsible.
For more information on seeking compensation for a dog bite injury, visit our public liability claim page to understand your legal rights.
What can I claim after a dog bite injury?
As with most personal injury claims, the following damages can be made in a dog bite personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses, including but not limited to:
- An emergency medicine visit
- A primary care physician visit
- Medications
- Surgical procedures
- First aid costs
- Loss of earnings due to lost time from work
- The replacement cost for damaged clothing or other personal items, such as a broken watch or cell phone
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of ongoing medical needs
- Permanent damage to the body
- In-home care for lengthy recoveries
Learn more:
What are my rights if my dog bites someone?
Under section 25 of the Companion Animals Act, the owner of a dog is liable for damages if the dog attacks or injures another person. However, as already mentioned above, the owner will not be liable in instances where the attack was an immediate response to intentional provocation of the dog.
Speak to a dog bite injury lawyer
It is important to remember that dog bite injuries are a subspecialty of personal injury law. The intricacies of these cases are best handled by a professional who is accustomed to the regulations and laws that apply particularly to dog bite injuries. As such, it is a good idea to seek out legal advice from someone who specialises in this area of personal injury, like a dog bite lawyer.
If you find yourself in need of assistance with a dog bite personal injury claim, or any other legal issue, please contact the law offices of Owen Hodge Lawyers. At Owen Hodge, we are always happy to assist clients in understanding the full ramifications of any and all of your legal needs. Please feel free to call us at your earliest convenience to schedule a consultation with one of our dog attack lawyers on 1800 770 780.