A dog attack can have serious consequences for both animal and human. Whether your dog was bitten by another dog or you were injured in the incident, in most cases you are entitled to compensation for damages, pain and suffering, and reimbursement for medical expenses. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the legal side of things and explain exactly what you can claim.
Mr. Kočík was walking his female border collie Aru like any other day. However, a large crossbreed without a leash or muzzle suddenly burst out of the next door, its owner on the phone and oblivious to the situation. The dog attacked so quickly that Ara didn’t have time to dodge and within seconds suffered deep bite wounds. Mr Kočík tried to protect her and suffered lacerations on his arm.
Aria’s wounds needed stitches, she was given antibiotics and painkillers and was due for repeated check-ups at the vet. Mr. Kočík had to go to surgery, where doctors cleaned and treated the wound, administered a tetanus vaccine and recommended several days of disability. The injury was causing him pain and limiting his daily life. In addition to the stress and fear for his dog, he was also dealing with lost wages because he could not start work.
However, the owner of the attacking dog denied responsibility. He claimed that dogs “sometimes fight” and blamed Mr. Kočik for allegedly intervening too vigorously. This approach, however, did not hold up. We secured witness statements, photographs of the wounds, veterinary reports and medical records. In the end, we were able to establish clear liability on the part of the owner of the attacking dog and recover compensation not only for all of Mr. Kocik’s veterinary care and treatment, but also for pain and suffering, lost wages, and compensation for damaged property.
This story is a typical example of the fact that a dog attack cannot go unpunished and that the victim – human and animal – is entitled to adequate compensation.
If your dog or you have been bitten, you have the right to fair compensation. Contact us and we will assess your case within 24 hours and suggest the best course of action.
The Czech Civil Code clearly lays down the rules of liability for damage caused by an animal. As a rule, the owner is liable for damage caused by the dog; a person who has been entrusted with the dog or who keeps or uses the dog may also be jointly and severally liable. Compensation may be reduced if the injured party was also involved in the damage. Thus, if a dog attacks another dog or a person, legal liability is usually clear.
If a dog is bitten, the owner of the attacking dog is liable for all costs of veterinary treatment, medication used and other care. If the injuries require more complex surgery, hospitalization or long-term rehabilitation, liability for all of these costs passes to the owner of the aggressive dog. In particular, the injured dog may be able to claim the cost of veterinary care (including any deposit) and other provable property damage. Non-pecuniary claims (emotional damages, etc.) are only possible in exceptional situations depending on the circumstances of the case.
If a person is bitten, the legal claim tends to be even broader. The victim is entitled to pain and suffering, reimbursement of medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for damaged property and, in some cases, compensation for psychological harm.
Insurance companies often offer low amounts on the grounds that the injury was minor. An experienced attorney, however, can negotiate significantly higher compensation commensurate with the actual severity of the injury.
Early action greatly increases the chances of successfully recovering compensation. But first, of course, it is important to ensure that the injured person receives immediate treatment – veterinary care for a dog, surgical treatment for a human, including a notation that the injury is a dog bite. This record plays an important role in dealing with the insurance company.
Equally important is identifying the owner of the attacking dog. If he or she refuses to cooperate or give you his or her information, it is advisable to call the municipal police, who will take the case and establish the owner’s identity. You should then document everything properly – take photographs of the wounds, the attack site and the dog, keep receipts for any veterinary or medical care, save contacts of witnesses and describe the course of events.
It can also be very helpful to find out if the owner of the attacking dog has liability insurance. This is usually part of household insurance and most compensation is covered by it. The next step is to quantify the damages, which includes the cost of treating the dog as well as pain and other human compensation. If the dog owner is unwilling to address the situation or if the insurance company offers an unreasonably low amount, it is advisable to contact an attorney.
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If your dog is bitten by another dog, you are entitled to reimbursement for all veterinary care, the cost of medication, diagnosis and post-operative care. You may also be entitled to travel costs associated with a visit to the vet or to reimbursement for items that were damaged in the attack. For more severe injuries, compensation may also be claimed for pain or permanent effects, for example if the dog’s injury has affected its behaviour or ability to move.
Dog bites are assessed under the pain and suffering and compensation methodology, similar to other injuries. The injured person is entitled to pain and suffering, reimbursement for medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and compensation for damage to personal belongings such as damaged clothing, glasses or a mobile phone. If the attack caused psychological harm, fear of dogs or long-term difficulties, compensation for mental distress may also be claimed.
Claims for damages are subject to a limitation period, which is usually three years (this is the so-called subjective limitation period).
We recommend contacting an attorney, especially when the owner of the attacking dog denies liability, the insurance company offers a significantly lower amount, or when the damage is more extensive, for example, when the dog has undergone major surgery or a serious injury to a person.
The assistance of a lawyer is also essential when a child or elderly person is bitten, where the subsequent injury is usually more complex and the compensation higher. With experience from dozens of similar cases, we know how insurance companies argue and what compensation can realistically be expected. In many cases, we are able to negotiate compensation several times higher than what the insurance company offers the victim directly.
In one case, the insurance company claimed that the dogs were just “playing” even though the injuries were serious. After supplementing the evidence, it paid out almost CZK 28,000. In another case, a human was bitten and the insurer initially offered only CZK 6,000. After our intervention, the client received more than 40,000 CZK in pain and suffering, wage compensation and medical expenses.
A dog attack is not something you have to deal with alone. Whether your pet or yourself has been bitten, we can help you recover full compensation for damages and pain and suffering.
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Have you or your dog been bitten by another dog? In such a case, you are entitled to fair compensation in most situations, as the Czech Civil Code imposes strict liability on the owner (keeper) of the attacking dog for the damage caused by their animal – both in the case of a dog bite and in the case of a human bite, except in the rather exceptional case where the attacked dog provoked the attack. In the case of an injured dog, payment may be sought for all veterinary care, medication, diagnostics, follow-up treatment and, where appropriate, pain and suffering or compensation for permanent consequences; in the case of an injured human, pain and suffering, treatment costs, lost wages, replacement of damaged items (such as clothing, glasses or a mobile phone) and, in more serious cases, compensation for psychological harm. In order to successfully claim compensation, it is essential to first arrange for treatment, have medical records written down that the dog bite was a dog bite, identify the owner of the attacking dog (possibly with the help of the municipal police), carefully document everything with photographs of the wounds, the attack site and the dog, keep receipts and contacts of witnesses, and then find out whether the owner has liability insurance, which typically covers the damages. If the owner denies liability, or the insurance company offers a significantly lower amount than the actual injury, or if there is a more serious injury to a person or costly treatment of the dog, it is advisable to contact an attorney who can properly quantify the claim, negotiate a significantly higher compensation, and represent you throughout the proceedings.
Yes. Pain and possible permanent consequences are determined according to the principles used by the courts (medical evidence, expert, case law).
Contact the city police and then contact us. We will help you with the pre-suit notice and further action.
In most cases, yes, if the owner of the attacking dog has liability insurance.
Yes, especially if the attack was triggered by trauma or a long-term fear of dogs.
Get compensation for harm or damage – quickly and without stress. We will assess your chances, propose a strategy and prepare a challenge. All within 48 hours of placing your order. If necessary, we will then file a lawsuit and arrange legal representation. We will stand up for you fully.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
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