My dog was bitten- can I claim vet costs?

[Deleted User]

Orbie said:

My daughter was walking our small dog on a lead in Scotland when he was attacked by 3 large off lead dogs. His harness had a thick padded collar which saved his life. Overnight stay in vet hospital, surgery to stitch deep bites and chest drains inserted. I found the owner who apologised and said he would pay. I gave him vet report and invoice from vet but have heard nothing. The police are going to speak to him. I said I wanted his dogs muzzled and for him to pay bill which is not far off £1000. The guy is still letting them off lead. Can I make a claim for costs and how do I go about this? Thanks 

As the amount is less than £5000 you can use the Simple Procedure to recover the money.  However, before filing a claim you are expected to have tried to settle the dispute. This could include writing to the owner of the dogs and trying to agree a settlement.

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/taking-action/simple-procedure

Orbie

Thanks for your advice everyone. Sorry for the delay in replying but only just had an update. The police have charged the owner and he is to keep them on leads. I am still out of pocket though so I’ll have a look at the link from sheramber.  I’m left looking like the bad guy for reporting him to the police. All this could have been avoided if he had given me his insurance details, even the house insurance should have covered it. 

Orbie

Thanks also Lover_of_Lycra for your link. I’ll write to him and hopefully get a positive response. 

AdamSmith20

You should definitely complain.

sheramber

AdamSmith20 said:

You should definitely complain.

W ho should he complain to?

Orbie

Finally had a successful outcome! The small claim court is called something else now and in order to proceed I had to write to the dogs owner informing him that I intended to make a claim against him if he wasn’t willing to give me his insurance details or pay expenses. He gave me the details, the insurance company accepted liability and I got full payment. It took almost 6 months in total but better late than never m. 

welshmoneylover

that’s a really good outcome! About time unleashed dog owners were forced to pay up if they attack 

FrugalJenny

You should claim the money and file a complain against his owner

sheramber

FrugalJenny said:

You should claim the money and file a complain against his owner

Did you miss this bit?  The police are going to speak to him.

pokora

I've been in this situation with a neighbour from my same building, we tried to talk and reach an agreement but he never intend to pay and showed not interest at all for settled the situation. After not having any kind of answer we decided not to pursue the cause to avoid any retaliation. Now I don't live there anymore. How long after this happenned could I claimed ? It happened in England if it helps.