[Jan 2010] A young boy who was attacked by his friend's dog has been awarded over £4,000 in personal injury compensation.
The boy and his mother were saying their goodbyes at the home of a friend when the family pet, apparently unprovoked, jumped up and bit the boy's lip.
The boy was taken to hospital where his injuries were later treated.
The boy's mother visited
Accident Advice Helpline to see if she would be able to
claim compensation on behalf of her son.
In general, claimants for personal injury compensation who are under 18 at the time of the accident cannot pursue litigation themselves, but may appoint a 'litigation friend' to make the claim on their behalf, so that is what the woman chose to do on her son's behalf.
As the dog was covered by an insurance policy, Accident Advice Helpline was able to help her win £4,400 from the insurance company for her son as the animal should have been kept under control by its owners.