Advice or Guidance needed.

Hi,

I haven't been on here for a while, I'm looking for any advice or where to get help about the dog attack I suffered in Nov 19. I have been denied criminal injuries compensation as they say they didn't intend for the dog to attack me.

The dog had attacked another person only a couple of hours before and they since said the dog doesn't like people drinking but still had a party, surely them not doing anything to prevent my attack is constructive intent?

Anu advice, guidance or thought would be appreciated. This attack has left me with a visible difference, my face is scarred, I have had four operations and currently have two expanders in my head.

I have PTSD and this news has made me believe that because an animal attacked me and not a person it doesn't matter.

[Blondebombsite]

Hi Di97,

Thanks for sharing your story, I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. I love dogs and am passionate about their abilities to support people through their struggles but there are some very bad owners out there for sure.

It certainly seems unfair that you’ve been turned down for compensation after all that you’re going through. Has any action been taken against the owners, ie removing the dog from their home to prevent this happening a third time? In terms of the legalities of compensation, have you consulted a solicitor? I’m aware that can be very expensive, so it might be worth talking to Citizens Advice, or checking out one of the online legal advice sites for initial advice. Or some employers offer an Employee Assist Programme that offers free telephone advice. Strangely, some buildings insurance policies do cover for injuries to a third party in the home, although you’d obviously need the dog owner’s cooperation to find this out. Did they have pet insurance? Again that may cover injuries. If you feel sure that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board are in the wrong, make sure you follow their complaints process to the end, and maybe your MP may also intervene?

I wish you all the best and I hope you find some peace and resolution x

[Hidden in reply to Blondebombsite]

Thank you for responding,

I have always been an animal lover and have a rescue dog who is 12 now, so agree about bad owners. The German shepherd that attacked me was put down the next day by the police. They didn't have any insurance not pet or home insurance which I think is pretty irresponsible, not just about me but for the dog. I will appeal the decision and see what comes of it. I may sue them at my own expense as I feel that I have suffered for a year and a half with a lot more to come and they have had no consequence.

They are being prosecuted and I will be giving evidence against them in July.

Take care

Di