Dog Bite Injury
Lawyers
Every year, over 9,000 Australians are hospitalised due to dog attacks, with children representing the majority of victims. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a dog, you shouldn’t have to bear the physical, emotional, and financial consequences alone.
Our experienced dog bite injury lawyers understand the trauma these attacks cause and are here to help you pursue fair compensation for both your physical injuries and psychological harm. We’ll fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable and ensure your rights are protected.
Do you have a dog bite injury claim?
Dog bite claims fall under public liability law, which holds dog owners responsible when their failure to control their animals causes harm. Understanding whether your situation qualifies is the first step toward seeking compensation.
1. Who is liable for a dog attack?
Dog owners have a legal duty of care to take reasonable measures to prevent their pets from causing harm. When they breach this duty—through inadequate restraint, failing to warn visitors, or allowing aggressive dogs in public spaces—they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
2. What must you prove?
You need to demonstrate that the dog owner owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty by failing to properly control or restrain their dog, and their breach directly caused your injuries and losses.
3. Are there defences to dog bite claims?
Dog owners may attempt to avoid liability by claiming you were trespassing on their property, you provoked the dog, or the dog wasn’t classified as dangerous. We challenge these defences by gathering evidence establishing the owner’s negligence and your lawful presence and reasonable conduct.
Dog bite injuries and attacks:
Your rights, our fight
Dog attacks range from minor nips to life-threatening injuries. Understanding the nature and severity of your injuries helps determine appropriate compensation.
Puncture wounds and lacerations
Dog teeth can cause deep puncture wounds that damage muscle, tendons, and nerves. These injuries often require surgery, may become infected, and can leave permanent scarring.
Facial and head injuries
Children are particularly vulnerable to facial injuries due to their height. Dog bites to the face can result in severe scarring, disfigurement, eye injuries, or skull fractures requiring reconstructive surgery.
Head and arm injuries
Defensive wounds to hands and arms are common when victims try to protect themselves. These injuries can damage tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, potentially causing permanent loss of function.
Leg and foot injuries
Running or backing away from an aggressive dog often results in leg and ankle bites, which can damage muscles and limit mobility.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Many dog attack victims, especially children, develop PTSD involving flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety around dogs.
Cynophobia (fear of dogs)
Victims may develop debilitating fear of dogs that affects their ability to walk in public spaces, visit friends with pets, or participate in outdoor activities.
Anxiety and depression
The trauma of an attack, combined with physical scarring and ongoing treatment, can lead to anxiety disorders and depression requiring professional psychological treatment.
Social withdrawal and reduced quality of life
Visible scarring and psychological trauma may cause victims to withdraw socially, affecting relationships, work, and overall life enjoyment.
Speak with a dog bite personal injury lawyer now.
Start with a free consultation and get your case reviewed within minutes.
Severity assessment: Dr. Ian Dunbar's Dog Bite Scale
Dog bite compensation claims are often assessed using Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Dog Bite Scale, which categorises attacks from Level 1 to Level 6:
Level 1 | Threatening behaviour | The dog growls, lunges, or snarls but doesn’t make contact. No physical injury occurs. While this may cause emotional distress, Level 1 incidents rarely result in compensation as there’s no physical harm or significant psychological trauma. |
Level 2 | Skin contact without puncture | Teeth touch skin but don’t puncture. Minor abrasions, lacerations, or bruising may occur. Compensation potential exists if emotional distress is significant, particularly for children, though claims are typically modest given minimal physical injury. |
Level 3 | One to three puncture wounds | Single bite creating puncture wounds with bruising. The victim isn’t shaken. Injuries are more serious, often requiring medical treatment and potentially causing lasting pain or scarring. Compensation increases substantially as physical injuries and psychological trauma risk are greater. |
Level 3.5 | Multiple Level 3 bites | Multiple puncture wounds from a sustained attack. Greater physical and emotional impact requiring extensive medical care. Compensation covers medical treatment, pain and suffering, and potential long-term psychological effects including PTSD. |
Level 4 | Two to four punctures with significant bruising | Punctures from multiple teeth with considerable bruising. Moderate to severe attack potentially requiring surgery, leaving permanent scars or chronic pain. Compensation claims are substantial, reflecting extensive medical treatment, recovery time, and long-term effects. |
Level 5 | Multiple Level 4+ bites | Repeated, concerted attack causing severe injury including deep punctures, nerve damage, or substantial scarring. High medical expenses and lasting psychological trauma. Compensation is substantial, addressing long-term physical, emotional, and financial burdens. |
Level 6 | Fatal attack | Wrongful death from dog attack. Most tragic outcome involving extensive compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional toll on family. These claims are complex and reflect the gravity of the loss. |
Why Choose Gerard Malouf & Partners
Understanding dog owner liability
Australian states have specific legislation governing dog owner responsibilities and liability.
Duty of care requirements | Dog owners must take reasonable precautions to prevent their dogs from attacking or injuring others, including:
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When owners may not be liable | Under legislation like NSW’s Companion Animals Act 1998, owners may avoid liability if the attack occurred on their property or in their vehicle where the dog is normally kept, and the victim was unlawfully present (trespassing), and the dog wasn’t classified as dangerous, menacing, or restricted. Owners may also escape liability if the attack was in immediate response to intentional provocation by someone other than the owner or their employees. |
When councils may be liable | Local councils may be responsible if they fail to properly manage public spaces, such as parks or footpaths, where dogs roam. Liability applies if the council knew (or should have known) of a dangerous dog or inadequate fencing, signage, or enforcement, and this contributed to someone being hurt by a dog. Council liability is considered alongside owner liability and may increase total compensation. |
Contributory negligence | If you contributed to the attack—by entering a property unlawfully, ignoring warning signs, or provoking the dog—your compensation may be reduced proportionally. However, contributory negligence rarely eliminates claims entirely, and we work to minimise its impact by demonstrating the owner’s primary responsibility. |
Dangerous dog classifications | Dogs classified as dangerous, menacing, or restricted face stricter control requirements. Attacks by classified dogs often result in higher compensation as owners have heightened duties of care. |
The compensation claim process: Your journey with GMP Law
Initial consultation
Evidence gathering
Claim submission
Negotiation
We’ll advocate fiercely on your behalf, aiming for a fair settlement that truly reflects your needs.
Court representation
Ongoing support
We’re here to address any questions or concerns that arise along the way.
Why choose our dog bite lawyers?
Our No Win No Fee dispute lawyers specialise in handling some of the most complex and challenging cases. With deep expertise in medical law and personal injury, we understand the unique difficulties these claims present and know how to navigate them effectively.
Key benefits include:
98% success rate
With over $4 billion in settlements
Australia-wide coverage.
Expert lawyer support in every state
Free initial consultation
To assess your claims
Award-winning lawyers
Proudly recognised by Doyles Guide 2025 for excellence in personal injury legal services
No Win No Fee.
No Win No Fee
Fee transparency that you can trust
At GMP Law, we’re committed to ensuring you have nothing to lose with our No Win No Fee service.
How our No Win No Fee system works:
No upfront costs
Start your claim without any financial risk
No contingency fees.
We don’t take a percentage of your settlement
Fair hourly rates.
When you win, we charge transparent hourly rates
Careful case evaluation.
We only take cases we believe can succeed
Our commitment. If we don’t believe your case will result in compensation or if costs outweigh benefits, we won’t take it on. This dedication to our clients’ best interests sets our No Win No Fee dog bite lawyers apart.
Proven results: Dog bite payouts and case studies
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a dog, you may be entitled to make a dog bite compensation claim. Our team specialises in helping clients recover for both physical injuries and the emotional and financial impacts of dog attacks. Every claim is handled on a No Win No Fee basis, and we work to ensure victims receive the full compensation they deserve.
Case 1: $440k for a cleaner in their dog bite compensation claim
Background
Our client, a cleaner at a private residence in Kurrajong, was hurt by a dog while taking rubbish to the bins. The dog was not muzzled, and she fell, sustaining serious injuries to her head, neck, shoulder, back, arms, and wrists. Psychological impacts included anxiety, shock, and depression.
Negligence
The dog owner failed to restrain or muzzle the dog, creating an unsafe environment for visitors.
GMP Law’s approach
We collected all evidence, assessed liability, and engaged the defendant Insurers promptly.
Outcome
Through negotiation, we secured $440,000 in compensation, covering both physical injuries and psychological impacts.
What our clients say:
These are genuine reviews from real clients on Google, sharing their experiences with GMP Law.
Turning injuries into justice, transforming lives through compensation
At GMP Law, we’re not just fighting for compensation – we’re fighting for your right to recover, rebuild, and reclaim your life after an injury. Read our case studies:
Natalie’s story: From no case to $370k after a footpath fall
Natalie was the epitome of an active, outdoor-loving Australian. As a food delivery driver, she spent her days on the move,
Nick’s story: $3m+ public liability settlement after resort pool accident
Nick and Michelle’s journey In February 2020, what began as a romantic getaway to celebrate Michelle’s birthday and their first wedding
Maria’s story: $232,500 after a shopping centre trip and fall Maria’s story Maria, a jewellery sales consultant, experienced how quickly life
Jennifer’s journey: Achieving justice and $242,500 after a slip and fall injury
Jennifer’s Journey:Achieving Justice and $242,500 After a Slip and Fall Injury Jennifer’s story In October 2022, a routine lunch outing turned
Meet our dog bite injury lawyers
Meet our dedicated team of public liability lawyers, with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and across Australia. We act exclusively on a No Win No Fee basis and have a 98% win rate in compensation claims.
If you or your child has been hurt by dog, our experienced team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can cause. From serious scarring and infections to psychological trauma, we work to ensure every impact is properly assessed and claimed.
An experienced dog bite accident lawyer from our team will guide you through the process, deal with insurers on your behalf, and fight for the justice and financial support your family deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions about dog bite claims
How much compensation can I get for a dog bite?
Compensation for a dog bite depends on the severity of injuries, scarring, psychological trauma, and the circumstances of the attack. Minor bites may result in smaller settlements, but serious attacks causing permanent scarring, fractures, nerve damage, or psychological conditions like PTSD can lead to significant payouts.
For example, we recently secured $440,000 for a cleaner who was hurt by a dog at a private residence. Cases like this show that, in severe situations, compensation can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. During your free consultation, we provide a realistic assessment of your potential claim and guide you through the process to maximise your recovery.
How long do I have to make a dog bite claim?
Generally three years from the attack date, though this varies by state. However, acting earlier preserves evidence, locates witnesses, and strengthens claims. Police reports and medical records from immediately after attacks are crucial evidence.
What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?
We gather evidence challenging provocation defences, including witness statements, your account of events, and evidence of the dog’s aggressive history. Even if some provocation occurred, you may still recover reduced compensation depending on circumstances.
Can I claim if the attack happened on the owner's property?
Yes, you can make a claim if you were lawfully on the property. This includes invited guests, delivery workers, cleaners, and utility personnel. Dog owners owe a duty of care to anyone lawfully present, even on private property.
As part of our investigation, we carefully establish your lawful presence and demonstrate any breach of duty by the owner to support your dog bite compensation claim.
What if the dog has bitten people before?
Prior attacks significantly strengthen claims by demonstrating the owner knew of the dog’s dangerous propensities yet failed to prevent further attacks. We investigate council records and animal control reports for evidence of prior incidents.
Can children claim for dog bites?
Yes. Children can bring a claim for injuries caused by a dog (usually through a parent or litigation guardian).
Nationwide data show there were around 9,500 hospitalisations in Australia in 2021–22 due to being bitten or struck by a dog, making this one of the most common causes of serious animal-related injury requiring hospital care.
While adults aged 25–44 and 45–64 make up the largest share of these hospitalisations, dog-related injuries remain a significant risk for young children. In the 0–4 age group, dog bites or strikes account for the majority of all animal-related injury hospitalisations for that age range.
Children are also more vulnerable to facial injuries, scarring, and psychological trauma. When assessing compensation, the law takes into account long-term impacts such as permanent scarring, future treatment needs, and ongoing psychological effects. Because of this, claims involving children often require careful consideration of future consequences and may result in substantial compensation where injuries are serious.
What if I didn't seek medical treatment immediately?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible and ensure injuries are documented. Delayed treatment complicates claims but doesn’t necessarily defeat them. Medical records establishing the link between injuries and the attack remain crucial.
Will the dog be destroyed if I make a claim?
Civil compensation claims are separate from council decisions about dangerous dogs. While your report may trigger council investigations, your claim focuses on compensation for your injuries, not the dog’s fate.
Can I claim for psychological injuries even without severe physical injuries?
Yes, particularly if you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety disorders, or phobias by qualified mental health professionals. Psychological injury claims require expert evidence demonstrating the impact on your life and need for ongoing treatment.
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Talk to a dog bite lawyer today
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