Personal injury from a biting incident: your rights and roadmap

Liane FoeLawyer

A biting incident can have unexpected and unpleasant consequences. Whether you have been bitten by a dog, cat or other animal, it is important to know what your rights are and how to claim compensation. In this article, we explain what steps to take and what to look out for.

Liability in a biting incident

In the Netherlands, the owner of an animal is in principle liable for the damage the animal causes. This is laid down in Article 6:179 of the Civil Code. This means that if you have been bitten by a dog, the owner is responsible for the damage suffered.

Exceptions to liability

There are situations in which the owner is not liable, for example, if the victim provoked or provoked the animal. In such cases, liability may be different.

What damages are compensated?

In the case of personal injury from a biting incident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation:

• Property damage: Costs for medical treatment, loss of income due to disability, travel expenses and any home modifications.
• Intangible damages (damages): Compensation for pain, sorrow and diminished enjoyment of life as a result of the incident.

Roadmap for claiming damages

1. Seek medical attention: Get a medical examination immediately after the incident. This is important for your health and serves as proof of your injury.
2. Gather evidence: Record details of the incident, such as time of day, location and the animal that bit you. Get contact information from witnesses and take photos of the injuries.
3. Holding the owner liable: Hold the owner of the animal liable in writing for the damages suffered. You can do this yourself or through a personal injury lawyer.
4. Claim: File a claim with the owner’s insurance company. Provide a statement of all expenses incurred and expected future expenses.
5. Get legal help: Consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. He or she can guide you through the claim process and negotiate fair compensation.

Why seek legal help?

Claiming compensation can be complex. A personal injury lawyer has the expertise to guide you through the process, ensuring proper settlement and maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation. In addition, the costs of a personal injury lawyer are often recovered from the liable party, so legal help can be free of charge to you.

Conclusion

Personal injury from a biting incident can have far-reaching consequences. It is important to know that you are entitled to compensation and that the owner of the animal is liable in many cases. By following the proper steps and seeking legal help if necessary, you can ensure that you are justly compensated for the damages suffered.