Dog bite personal injury claim

A dog bite should always be taken seriously. This is important for your health and for your injury claim.

Clean the wound

• Rinse: clean the wound under running water to prevent infection.
• Disinfect: use a disinfectant such as Betadine.
• Cover: dry the wound and cover it if necessary.
• Pain relief: take a drug like paracetamol if needed.

Seek medical help

• Visit your doctor: always contact your general practitioner. They can assess and treat the wound and determine whether a tetanus shot or antibiotics are needed.

Seek psychological help

• Professional support: a dog bite can also cause psychological symptoms, such as anxiety. Professional support, for example from a therapist or specialist training centre, can help.

Take legal steps

• Record details: write down the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and any witnesses.
• Take photos: of the wound, the scene, and any damaged belongings.
• Medical report: ask your GP for documentation to include in your injury claim.
• Keep receipts: for medical expenses, travel costs, or replacement items such as clothing.
• Get legal support: when you have injuries, it’s wise to contact a personal injury specialist. These costs are covered by the liable party.

Dutch law is clear: the dog owner is almost always liable for damage caused by a dog bite, based on Article 6:179 of the Dutch Civil Code. This is called strict liability. It applies even if the owner did nothing wrong and the dog has never shown aggression before.

Liability of the dog owner

• It usually doesn’t matter whether the dog was on a leash or not.
• It doesn’t matter whether the owner acted incorrectly.
• The owner is responsible for all damage caused by the dog.
• Even if the dog is normally gentle, the owner remains liable.
• As the injured party, you only need to prove that the dog caused the damage.

The idea behind the law is simple: animals can behave unpredictably, and the owner takes the risk.

Exceptions

There are only a few exceptions, such as when someone provokes the dog or when the dog acts in self-defense.

A dog bite can cause various types of personal injury. All resulting damage can be claimed from the liable party.

Material damages

• Medical costs, such as a tetanus shot or wound treatment
• Deductible (own risk) from your health insurance
• Travel expenses to your GP or hospital
• Damaged clothing, glasses, phone, or other belongings
• Loss of income if you cannot work temporarily

Non-material damages

• Anxiety, stress, or trauma after the bite
• Sleep problems or flashbacks
• Scarring or other visible permanent damage
• Reduced enjoyment of life

Compensation for non-material damage is called pain and suffering compensation.

The dog’s owner is responsible for the damage caused by the bite. Many people find it uncomfortable to hold the owner liable, but fortunately this is usually not necessary.

Dog bite compensation is usually covered by the owner’s personal liability insurance. The owner may pay a small deductible, but not your compensation.