Dog attacks can be deeply traumatic and often result in serious physical injury, scarring, or lasting emotional harm.
These incidents can happen unexpectedly – while walking in your neighbourhood, at a park, on a public street, or even while visiting someone’s home.
If you were bitten while lawfully present in the area and did not provoke the dog, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, including: Past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, psychological trauma and loss of income.
Who is liable for a dog bite under South African law?
Under South African law, dog owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their animals do not cause harm. Importantly, dog bite claims are often based on a principle of strict liability. This means that when a dog bites or attacks someone without provocation, the owner may be legally liable even if they were not negligent. In other words, you do not always have to prove the owner acted negligently as the law recognizes that innocent victims should not bear the consequences of an attack caused by a domestic animal.
How LHL Attorneys can help with your dog bite claim.
At LHL Attorneys Inc., we guide clients through every stage of a dog bite claim. We investigate the circumstances of the attack, gather medical and witness evidence, and ensure your damages are properly calculated so that your claim reflects both the immediate and long-term impact of the injury.
We also work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay legal fees if your claim succeeds.
What you should do after a dog bite?
If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, taking the right steps early can help protect your health and your legal rights.
We guide employers through the retrenchment process, ensuring compliance with the Labour Relations Act and minimizing legal risks. Our team advises on consultation processes, fair selection criteria, severance packages, and documentation to ensure a smooth transition while treating employees with fairness and respect.
Workplace disputes can disrupt operations and harm employee morale. We assist in resolving conflicts through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, offering practical solutions that prioritize your business interests while fostering workplace harmony.
Handling disciplinary issues requires precision and adherence to procedural fairness. We provide guidance on conducting fair hearings, drafting charges, and ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements, reducing the risk of future disputes or claims.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) is a key forum for resolving labour disputes. We represent businesses in CCMA proceedings, ensuring well-prepared cases and effective advocacy in matters such as unfair dismissals, unfair labour practices, and disputes over wages or benefits.
When disputes escalate to the Labour Court, we provide experienced representation to protect your interests. Our team handles high-stakes litigation involving wrongful dismissals, breach of labour contracts, and collective labour disputes, ensuring a strong and strategic approach to achieve the best possible outcome.
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We specialize in high-value litigation involving:
Large damages awards typically involve:
Courts consider:
Large damages claims often take longer due to:
Contact our Labour Litigation Department for an initial consultation. We’ll assess your case, identify risks, and outline a robust defense strategy to protect your business.
Let us help safeguard your business against high-value labour claims.
