Woman awarded compensation following dog attack

A pensioner has been awarded £17,000 after her hand was left permanently damaged following an attack by a dog.

The woman was 74 years old at the time of the incident. She had been walking her friend’s dog when an alsatian jumped over a wall and started barking at her.

The alsatian jumped at her, forcing her to turn away. She fell from a grass verge on to the road and landed on her left hand.

She dislocated her index finger and suffered fractures to the other three fingers. She had to undergo surgery and several months of physiotherapy but her hand function was permanently impaired.

She was unable to perform daily tasks such as getting dressed, showering or housework without assistance.

She brought an action against the owners of the alsatian saying they were liable for the damage to her hand under the Animals Act 1971.

The owners admitted liability and agreed to an out-of-court settlement of £17,000 to compensate for the woman’s pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

Please contact Sheenagh Parsons the head of the personal injury department if you have suffered an injury that wasn’t your fault. You may be entitled to compensation. Sheenagh can be contacted by email