Legal steps to take after a dog attack
Lihle Nkosi of L Holdings took the time to share a few important steps for victims of domestic animal attacks.
Domestic animal attacks are common in communities where owners fail to restrict their dogs on leashes when taking walks and in situations where dog owners’ entrance gates are left open. It’s easy for anyone to become a victim, especially children.
A legal practitioner who resides in Sandton took the time to inform readers on certain steps to take after being attacked.
Lihle Nkosi, a lawyer working for L. Holdings shared her professional take on what to do after a domestic animal attack. According to Nkosi, any attack by a domestic animal on a person, the owner could be held liable whether it was intentional or not. For victims that sustained injuries during an attack, there are a few procedures that can be followed to cover medical expenses.
“If the injury sustained by the victim is severe, the victim can report the incident at the police station and obtain the police report as evidence in their action proceedings,” said Nkosi.
“To strengthen their legal case, the victim can obtain a medical report, photographs and the medical accounts illustrating the medical expenses incurred due to the incident.
This evidence shall assist the victim in their claim of general damages [i.e. compensation for pain and suffering], compensation for the medical expenses, loss of earnings and claims related to damages of property if applicable.”
In a situation where the animal was being provoked by an individual, the owner can counter the allegations. “To refute the allegations of a dog bite, the owner can argue that the victim provoked the dog by teasing and taunting it, and the dog acted differently to its nature or that its behaviour was triggered by excitement.
“The owner can demonstrate that the victim was informed of the dog’s aggression and entered the property irrespective of the warning or that the victim was illegally present on the owner’s property when the dog bite occurred. To prevent such incidents from occurring and legal litigation, ensure that your dog is safeguarded in your property.”
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/306789/how-to-keep-animals-safe-during-the-festive-season/
