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      Dog owners are responsible for keeping their pets under control, whether that means securing them at home or keeping them calm on a leash. Unfortunately, over 100,000 Australians are bitten by dogs each year, with thousands ending up in the hospital.

      If you’ve been bitten, attacked or harassed, you could have a dog bite claim. Also known as a ‘dog attack claim’, these offer compensation for lost income, medical bills, and your pain and suffering. Get in touch today to see if you have a claim and how a dog bite injury attorney can help secure the compensation you deserve.

      Start your free online claim check

      Find out if you’re eligible for a dog bite compensation claim today.

      Check your claim nowIt only takes 2 minutes.

      Can I claim compensation for a dog bite in Australia?

      In Australia, you can claim compensation for nearly any injury that arises from a dog attack, including:

      • Bruising.
      • Scratches.
      • Allergic reactions.
      • Bites that break the skin (puncture wounds).
      • Bone fractures.
      • Serious tissue or nerve damage.
      • Rabies.
      • Infections like cellulitis, tetanus, sepsis and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

      In addition, you may also have a dog bite injury claim if you were chased, harassed, or rushed at by a dog.

      This isn’t an exhaustive list, just some of the situations we’ve helped people claim for. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our lawyers will listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you forward — all at no cost to you.

      Who can I make a dog bite claim against?

      When it comes to dog attacks, the blame doesn’t usually fall on the dog — it’s the owner who’s responsible. That means you can claim against:

      • The legal owner of the dog, or
      • Whoever was in control of the dog at the time (as long as they’re over 16).

      But things can get complicated if there are multiple owners — like a family pet — or if ownership has changed hands after something like a divorce. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer before filing a claim. We’ll help you figure out who’s legally responsible and build a strong case against them.

      How to make a dog bite injury claim

      To make a successful dog bite claim in NSW, you’ll need to prove three main criteria:

      1. You were attacked by a dog: this isn’t just limited to physical injuries, you can make a claim if a dog rushes at, bites, chases, attacks, or harasses you.
      2. The owner was negligent: you’ll need to show the owner acted ‘negligently’, meaning they did something reckless or failed to take proper care of your safety. For example, if the dog was in a prohibited zone or wasn’t on a leash in an on-leash area, that could demonstrate negligence.
      3. You’re not at fault: you must show that you didn’t provoke or enable the attack. For example, if you trespassed on the owner’s property, provoked the dog, or approached it without warning, your compensation may be reduced based on your level of responsibility. This is known as ‘contributory negligence’, and it’s something we’ll discuss in more detail below.

      If you’re unsure whether you have a case, reach out to us for advice. Our expert lawyers are always ready to provide free advice on your situation.

      Dog bite compensation calculator: how much can I get?

      There’s no average dog bite compensation — every claim is different. It all depends on how severe your injury is and the state you’re in.

      To calculate your compensation, you’ll need to look at your ‘losses’. These are the financial and emotional impacts of the dog bite injuries on your life, including:

      • Lost income: both past and future income, including superannuation.
      • Property damage: compensation for clothing or other items damaged in the attack.
      • Pain and suffering: how your injury affects your physical and mental health.
      • Other costs related to your injury: medical bills, travel expenses, and modifications to your home or vehicle.
      • Care and support: professional care or help from family and friends. You can also claim if your injury prevents you from caring for someone who relies on you.

      What to do after a dog attack

      If you’ve been attacked by a dog, follow these steps to secure the medical and financial support you need:

      Dog bites can be dangerous, often leading to infections like tetanus or sepsis. It’s crucial to get medical attention right away to clean and treat the wound properly. This not only helps prevent any further complications, but your medical records will be important evidence for your claim.

      Take photos of your injury as soon as possible. These images can serve as crucial evidence to support your compensation claim and show the extent of the damage caused by the dog.

      Make sure to collect details about the dog and its owner. This information is essential for filing an accurate claim.

      Get in touch with a lawyer who specialises in dog bite claims. We’ll explain your rights, walk you through the claims process, and give you an idea of what compensation you could receive.

      How much will my dog bite claim cost?

      • No cost to you: all dog bite claims are covered by our No Win No Fee Guarantee, so you'll pay nothing unless we win.
      • No upfront fees: we cover all expenses for your claim, such as medical reports and expert evidence.
      • Lower legal fees: we typically recover our fees from the other party, meaning you keep more of your total compensation.
      • 90-day risk-free trial: with our 90-day free trial, you can evaluate our work before committing to your claim. If you cancel anytime during this period, there's absolutely nothing to pay.
      Find out more about our fees

      The claims process

      While each case is unique, your claim will likely progress through these steps:

      You can speak with one of our expert lawyers about your situation. This consultation is completely free, and we’ll let you know right away if you have a claim.

      We’ll build a strong case for you with solid evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, expert medical reports, and accident reports from local authorities.

      We may ask you to attend an independent medical examination. Our medical team will assess your injury to help determine the compensation you’re entitled to, including for pain and suffering, lost wages, and any ongoing care needs. We cover all the upfront costs of these tests and can arrange an interpreter if needed.

      Your lawyer will handle every aspect of this process and negotiate the best possible settlement for you. This is where our decades of specialised experience really make a difference — in fact, over 95% of our cases resolve at this point, saving you the time and cost of going to court.

      If the dog owner’s insurer isn’t offering you a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your claim to court. Your lawyer will guide you through every step, ensuring you fully understand the process. With our expertise and resources, we’re ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

      Meet the team

      Our team use their extensive experience to increase your chances of success. We’ve won many awards for our work, including ‘Compensation Law Firm of the Year 2020 GBM Global Awards.’

      Leon Monaco
      Managing Partner
      • English, Russian
      • Workers Compensation, TPD, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Public Liability
      View full bio
      Nancy Kuan
      Special Counsel
      • English
      • Family Provision Claims, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Public Liability
      View full bio
      Vanessa Azzi
      Senior Associate
      • English, Arabic
      • Motor Vehicle Accidents, Public Liability, Work Injury Damages
      View full bio
      Sachini Amarasinghe
      Special Counsel
      • English
      • Medical Negligence
      View full bio
      Meet more of the team

      Frequently asked questions

      To make a dog bite claim, you typically need to start court proceedings within 3 years of the dog attack. But if you’re past the time limit, don’t stress — you can apply to the court for an ‘exception’.

      Some common exceptions include:

      • Your symptoms didn’t show up right away but developed later.
      • The full extent of your injury wasn’t clear at the time.
      • The person claiming is a child or someone with a disability.

      With over 25 years of experience in dog bite claims, our lawyers can apply for a time-limit exception on your behalf. Over the years, we’ve successfully gotten hundreds of claims approved outside the time limit.

      If you’re partly to blame for your dog bite injuries, your compensation could be reduced based on your level of responsibility. This is called ‘contributory negligence’. For example, if you approached the dog too quickly or didn’t give it enough space, the court might say you’re 40% at fault, and your payout would be lowered by that amount.

      Contrary to popular belief, just because a dog bites someone doesn’t mean they will be put down. Typically, the dog will be quarantined for about a week and tested for diseases during that time. The dog will likely be required to wear a muzzle when outside the home or at parks. Veterinarians may also recommend behaviour training to prevent future incidents.

      Yes, you could be eligible for multiple claims for the same dog bite injury. Your exact entitlements depend on things like where you’re located, how severe your injury is, and whether you can return to work.

      When we assess your case, we make sure to spot all possible claims, so you can get the maximum compensation for your injury. In our experience, a lot of clients end up having more than one claim, increasing the total amount they receive.

      Income protection

      If your injury has temporarily kept you from working, you might be eligible for income protection. This usually includes:

      • Monthly wage replacement payments.
      • Up to 75% of your regular income, including superannuation.
      • Payments for a set period, like 2 years, 10 years, or until you reach retirement age.

      Total and Permanent Disability (TPD)

      If your injury permanently stops you from working, you might be eligible for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim. Unlike income protection, TPD provides a one-off lump sum designed to support you for life. The good news is, many superannuation policies include this coverage, so you might already have it without even knowing.

      See more FAQs

      Get free legal advice

      Find out if you have a claim today.

      Start your claim checkMake an enquiryCall 1300 769 665
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      What our clients say

      When you walk through our doors, our top priority is to help you as much as we can. This commitment is shown in over 200 5-star reviews.

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      4.8 out of 5
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      Thank you for accomplishing so much in such a short time.

      Great communication, empathy and understanding. My case worker Daniella was a saint, understanding and patient and always passing on any updates in record time.

      Google Posted by Danial Anderson
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      Good result! We had a complicated claim but they got the job done.

      My brothers and I had a complicated claim. I found Ben Ralph to be very helpful, himself and Sally Sutton worked hard for just over a year to get through our claim. They achieved a good result and got the monies paid to myself and my brothers.

      Google Posted by Sarah Pagel
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      I knew it from the very first phone call: I had found a compassionate law firm.

      Monaco Solicitors, I have no hesitation in recommending Daniella Dababneh and her team. After I suffered a serious workplace accident, I was in need of legal help.

      Google Posted by Scott Holden
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      Monaco helped me get much more compensation than I expected.

      Monaco Lawyers helped me to receive compensation for an ongoing injury I sustained after I was simply driving home from work and was driven into head on by an incompetent and negligent driver who I believe was texting at the time of the accident.

      Google Posted by Debby McDonald
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      They helped me juggle my injury claim and my mum's full-time care.

      I highly recommend Monaco Solicitors. I was claiming PI through my superannuation for workplace injuries. They were doing a no win no fee which was great as I am a carer for my mum and don’t earn much.

      Google Posted by Ellen Smith
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      Monaco made the process easy for me, I wouldn't have succeeded on my own.

      My experience with Monaco has been very good. Having commenced my TPD super claim myself, I soon was overwhelmed by the requirements. Although my claim was pretty small compared to others which make headlines, Monaco offered their services on a no win no fee basis.

      Google Posted by Cephas G
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      Today, after only 8 weeks, I got the best news: my claim was successful!

      Today I received the best call of my life. It’s finally here, and I couldn’t be happier! I was referred to Monaco solicitors by my sister in law after sustaining work injuries. From the moment I contacted them the whole process was easy and I was always well informed.

      Google Posted by Cherie Mundkowski
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      Monaco's help reduced a 12-month process to just a few months.

      My father originally found Monaco online for super claims,. They had discussed with him in great detail the processes and had been kind and very helpful a few years ago. When needing help with my mothers super claim I knew I could trust Monaco again.

      Google Posted by Carlee Ward
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      The bill? Surprisingly reasonable, less than expected.

      Sally was very helpful and always kept me up-to-date so if you ever use Monaco Solicitors just make sure you get Sally she’s very good. And the bill was very reasonable I thought it would be higher.

      Google Posted by Anthony Beak
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      I am forever thankful! God bless you for being there for me whenever I called.

      Monaco Compensation Lawyers are second to no-one. Anthony and his team were there for me every step of the way. When I got disheartened or down, I would make one phone call to the team at Monaco Solicitors, and they were there for me instantly—reassuring me and consoling me.

      Google Posted by Melissa Hickson
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      Leon Monaco & team member

      Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim?

      You can make a dog bite claim on your own, but working with an expert personal injury lawyer ensures you get the compensation you deserve. As part of our complete service, our lawyers will always:

      • Listen to your story and explain your rights.
      • Make sure you get the medical treatment and support you need.
      • Guide you through the claims process, keeping you informed at every step.
      • Gather solid evidence to back your case.
      • Negotiate on your behalf for the best outcome.
      • Uncover your extra benefits, like TPD.
      • Ensure your compensation covers the physical, emotional and financial impact of your injury.

      Speak to one of our friendly lawyers

      Email us 1300 769 665

      Millions won for our clients

      View more case results

      $950,000

      Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
      Public Liability

      Mateo wins historic claim against council for footpath pothole injury

      When Mateo stepped into a badly-repaired pothole, we proved the local council was responsible for his injuries. Since you can't usually sue councils, we needed expert evidence...

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      $800,000

      Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
      Public Liability

      Paul successfully sues Coles after car park fall leaves him wheelchair-bound

      Paul severely injured his hip when he slipped in a wet Coles car park. Our lawyers used expert evidence to prove his case and secure a substantial...

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      $700,000

      Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
      Public Liability

      Payout for slip and fall on an unsafe apartment staircase

      When Vincent slipped on the stairs outside his apartment, he dislodged his decade-old hip replacement. We proved the building owners were responsible despite his existing condition. Prior...

      Read more

      $1.2 million

      Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
      Public Liability

      Truck owner held liable after Oscar’s arm crushed by a faulty tray

      Oscar severely injured his elbow when a truck’s faulty tray swung into him. We engaged leading medical experts to secure him lifelong compensation. After the accident, Oscar...

      Read more

      We have the experience you can count on

      98%
      SUCCESS RATE
      25
      YEARS EXPERIENCE
      9,403
      CLAIMS WON
      $650m
      COMPENSATION PAYOUTS

      Elana’s Story

      1:51m watch

      “I can see people care about you. Monaco is the best of the best.”

      Get free claim advice

      Use our online claim checker to instantly find out if you have a claim. Alternatively, just give us a ring — our expert lawyers are always ready to answer your questions.

      Start your claim check online Call 1300 769 665 Email us