Dog attack settlement of £90,000 following complex injury and PTSD case

Gavin Allard in our Personal Injury team recently secured a £90,000 settlement for a client who suffered serious physical and psychological injuries following a dog attack in a public woodland area.

Our client was out running when a dog, being handled by an employee of a local dog walking business, suddenly lunged without warning and bit his dominant arm. He sustained multiple puncture wounds, significant scarring and ongoing numbness.

In addition to the physical injuries, the incident had a profound psychological impact. The client developed severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), experiencing intrusive thoughts, anxiety and a lasting fear of dogs, which affected his day-to-day life.

The claim was further complicated by disputed liability between two defendants, requiring detailed investigation and expert evidence to establish responsibility and the full extent of the injuries.
We worked closely with the client to build a strong evidential case, obtaining expert reports from both a consultant plastic surgeon and a consultant psychiatrist to fully evidence the physical and psychological impact of the attack.

Our team carefully assessed liability, achieving an agreed split between the defendants, and prepared a detailed Schedule of Loss to reflect the seriousness of the injuries and their long-term impact. We also sought specialist evidence to support future treatment needs, ensuring the claim properly reflected both current and anticipated losses.

Through strategic negotiation, we progressed the matter without the need for court proceedings, maintaining a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcome for the client while keeping the process proportionate and efficient.

Following negotiations, the claim settled for £90,000 plus costs, providing the client with financial compensation for his injuries and access to appropriate treatment and support.

This outcome reflects both the severity of the client’s physical injuries and the significant psychological impact of the incident, as well as the importance of expert-led case preparation in complex personal injury claims.

Gavin Allard specialises in personal injury matters, including complex claims involving serious physical injuries and psychological trauma. If you would like to discuss a potential claim, or have a general query about a personal injury matter, please contact Gavin at Thomson Snell & Passmore in confidence. We offer no win no fee agreements on the vast majority of our personal injury claims.