My child was bitten by a dog, what do I do?

Dog bites are more common than you might think, with almost 3,000 reports of attacks and harassment made in the ACT in 2023.

Sometimes a child’s loving intent can turn into a distressing moment in an instant. 

Despite careful planning, dog bites often happen at friend’s and family’s homes and are sometimes caused by dogs known to us. In this case, you may not need to go to Court and could be covered by the dog owner’s home and contents insurance.

Under ACT legislation the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002 and the Domestic Animals Act 2000), if your child is bitten by a dog the dog owners are accountable for the actions of their pets.

Professional legal assistance will help get proper support and understanding at the time you need it most, as well as any compensation your child deserves.

For a general overview of your rights, read our article on compensation for dog attack victims, or read your Home and Contents Insurance. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of a dog bite, know your options and that you deserve better. Reach out today to speak to the team to understand what comes next.