Dog Attack Claims
If you are injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation under the Dog Act 1976 (WA) and the general law of negligence. These claims cover physical injuries as well as psychological trauma.
What is a dog attack?
An attack includes a dog —
Aggressively rushing at or harassing any person or animal.
Biting, or otherwise causing physical injury to, a person or an animal.
Tearing clothing on, or otherwise causing damage to the property of, the person attacked.
Attempting to attack or behaving in such a manner toward a person as would cause a reasonable person to fear physical injury.
Who is responsible for a dog attack?
The owner of the dog is generally responsible for injuries caused by their dog. Responsibility can also extend to:
• A person in control of the dog at the time of the attack.
• A person keeping or caring for the dog at the time of the attack.
The law imposes a strict liability framework for dog attacks, meaning the owner is automatically deemed liable for the attack even in the absence of negligence.
