Attacked by a dog at work

K4ylee

I'm looking for some advice, I work for a nursing agency and I was bitten on the back of my leg by a clients dog last night, I've been in this clients house almost every night for the last month or so, so it's not the first time the dog has seen me. As I was leaving the dog attacked me when my back was turned and bit me quite badly, I had on jeans which saved me from needing stitches but the skin was broken and it's badly bruised today.

So my dilemma is this... should I report this incident to the police? I know the owner was very upset about it, but although I've been brought up around dogs and I'm not afraid of them I feel today that I can't face going back to this clients house in case the dog does it again, and I know that could be unlikely but now I feel worried and anxious because the pain of the bite was terrible.

Also, the agency I work for hasn't contacted me regarding the incident even thought I called it in straight away and I attended the hospital, I was given anti-biotics, anti-inflamatories and pain relief. Should they have an incident book that I should be completing? Now I'm off work and losing money because I can't drive due to the pain in my leg, can I get compensated for this until I can get back to work? is it classed as an accident at work?

Any help or advice would be appreciated x

andygb

If I were you, I would contact a "no win no fee" injury lawyer (I am not a lawyer), because this is right up their street, and for all the talk they give, they should be able to help. If the agency do not take any action - and I assume that you are classed as self employed, then this may be your only hope. If you do take action against the client, and the agency refuse to find you any more workk, then you would then be able to take out an action against them.
Good luck.

K4ylee

thanks andygb, I must look into the self employed thing, the agency pays my tax and NI, my contract is 0 hours per week so they can give or take as much as they need covered so I'm not sure on that, but SHOULD I report this to the police?

Caroline_a

Before you start seeking compensation you should ensure that you speak to your employers regarding the incident. You need to ask whether it was entered into the accident book, and also ask how they are going to ensure that you are safe, or anyone else who goes into the same environment.

When my dad had to have carers in while I was at work, my dog had to be crated when the carers were due, even though he is a big softy, I recognise that not everybody likes dogs.

Also be aware that if you do try for compensation, it's unlikely to be very much unless you are permanently affected, and it will take a few years. Additionally, if you involve the police,it will probably lead to the destruction of a much-loved pet who was in all probability doing what dogs do if they think their owner is in danger..

K4ylee

Sorry, I'm not really concerned about compensation, mor the safety of other carers and that the agency doesn't seem to be doing very much to ensure that this is prevented in the future. Thanks Caroline_a I will contact the agency and ensure it is recorded.

Gothicfairy

You could ask the H&S dept for advice about recording this > Not sure if that would work but if the agency will not take it seriously then you might not have a choice and that would at least make them notice.

universalady_2

I'm not sure if the police would be able to do anything, as it has happened on private property, if you do, I suspect it will cause the owner a great deal of distress. Accidents do happen and dogs do, what dogs sometimes do in what they percieve to be threatening situations, I would just ensure that the owner is made aware that it should be shut away/crated when you are next there, and that the agency is also aware of this too

FabuLass

A real dilemma.... if it is reported to police this elderly couple will be terribly upset, esp if the dog has to be destroyed....buuuuut if the dog does this again to anyone, it could be so much worse if say it was a grandchild or another elderly relative, and you would feel so guilty.
I wish i could advise you, but I just don't have the answer, I hope someone else can help.

Also, your employers attitude is shocking, you told them you were in hospital for treatment last night and they haven't even called this morning to see how you are?? Terrible!!

I hope others with more knowledge can help guide you.

andygb

I am quite surprised by the attitude of some on here. The OP has to go in to someone's home and look after them, so do other people. If there is an animal here, then it is not fair to put other care worker's health at risk. I do not care about the animal or owner in this case, I care about the people who are already doing an arduous, sometimes thankless task. Once a dog has bitten someone, the chances are that it will bite again.
If the agency is not bothered than the authorities should be told. I have experienced this, with a relation who used to be a cre assistant. She found a loaded, ex service revolver in the bedside table of a dementia patient. Her agency just wanted to brush the whole thing under the carpet - no chance!

victor2

The employer appears to be callous and uncaring. They should be taken to task over the whole thing and need to address it.
The owner of the dog would presumably be devastated if any action was taken which could result in the dog being destroyed and it was a totally uncharacteristic incident. Is there a way the owner can ensure the dog is securely locked away somewhere whenever a nurse visits? May not be practical if the owner is fairly immobile or there simply isn't somewhere to shut the dog away.
The injury was while you were doing a task assigned by the agency. I'm no legal expert, but I'd find it hard to believe that the agency doesn't have any sort of responsibility.

Raksha

Just a bit of advice - if you find yourself in a similar situation do NOT turn your back on the dog. When an animal is nervous, being face to face with it can be enough to stop it attacking, but when you turn your back you are leaving yourself defenceless.

I think your employer should be contacting the dogs owners on your behalf (and on behalf of their other employees) and ask that the dog be securely shut away to prevent a recurrance of this incident.

I hope the injuries heal quickly and without problems.