PERTH ยท WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Dog Bite Compensation Lawyers Perth
When a dog attack causes injury, WA law puts the onus on the owner, not you. We hold them to account, under the framework that governs dog attack claims across Western Australia.
DOG ATTACK LIABILITY IN WA
In WA, the owner of the dog, or the owner of the premises where it was kept, can be liable for injury caused during an attack. You generally do not need to prove the dog had attacked before, or that the owner already knew it was dangerous.
Do I have a dog attack claim?
You may have a claim if a dog bit you, rushed at you, knocked you over, caused you to fall, or otherwise injured you. You may also have a claim if your child was attacked, if the attack happened at someone’s home, on a footpath, at a park, while delivering to a property, or in another public or private place. In simple terms, if a dog attack caused you physical injury, scarring, infection, psychological trauma, time off work or medical expenses, it is worth getting legal advice quickly.
What counts as a dog attack in WA?
Under WA law, a dog attack can include more than a bite. You may still have a claim even if the dog did not actually bite you. If the dog rushed at you and you fell, or the attack caused injury in another way, you should still get advice.
Aggressively rushing at or harassing a person
Biting or otherwise causing physical injury
Tearing clothing or damaging property
Acting in a way that would make a reasonable person fear physical injury
Why Dog Attack Claims Can Be Strong in WA
WA law is helpful in dog attack cases. In many claims, the owner of the dog, a person treated by law as the owner, or the owner of the premises where the dog bite injury occurred can be liable in damages for injury caused in the course of an attack, subject to contributory negligence.
The law also says you generally do not need to prove that the dog had attacked before, or that the owner already knew the dog was dangerous.
That does not mean every claim wins automatically. Facts still matter. The owner may argue provocation, contributory negligence, or dispute how the incident happened. But the legal starting point in WA is often stronger for the injured person than in many other types of negligence claims.
Who May Be Responsible?
Depending on the facts, responsibility may rest with one or more of the following:
The dog owner
Person in control of the dog at the time
Owner of the premises where the dog was kept
Normally a claim is lodged against the dog owner’s home insurance policy (public liability policy). Part of our job is to identify the correct party, find out whether there is insurance, gather the evidence, and push the claim in the right direction from the start.
What Compensation Can I Claim?
Every case is different. Depending on your circumstances, a dog bite compensation claim may include the following heads of damage. Not every head is available in every case.
Medical and hospital expenses
Plastic surgery and scar revision costs
Psychology and counselling expenses
Past and future loss of income
Pain and suffering
Scarring and disfigurement
Care and assistance
Future treatment and rehabilitation
Common Dog Bite and Dog Attack Injuries
We help injured people across Western Australia with a wide range of dog attack injuries, including:
Puncture wounds and lacerations
Facial injuries
Infection
Nerve, tendon or muscle damage
Fractures from falls caused by the attack
Permanent scarring
Psychological injury, anxiety or trauma
Serious injuries to children
What Should I Do After a Dog Attack?
If you or someone you care about has been attacked by a dog, the steps you take in the first hours and days can make a real difference to the strength of any compensation claim. Follow these and bring whatever you have to your first consultation.
Rangers can investigate a dog attack, collect statements and photos, and take regulatory action, but recovering compensation for your loss is a separate civil matter. That is where legal advice becomes important.
1
Get medical treatment straight away.
2
If the attack is serious or still happening, call emergency services or police as needed.
3
Report the incident to the local council or ranger service as soon as possible.
4
Get the dog owner’s name, address and phone number if you can do so safely.
5
Take photos of the injuries, torn clothing, the location and the dog if possible.
6
Get witness names and contact details.
7
Keep receipts, medical records and time off work records.
8
Speak to a dog attack lawyer before too much time passes.
Our Dog Bite Compensation Process
Here is what to expect when you bring a dog attack claim to MPK Lawyers.
1
Free First Consultation
We listen to what happened, tell you whether the claim looks viable, and explain the likely next steps in plain English.
2
We Gather the Evidence
We obtain photographs, medical records, witness details, ranger or council material, and any other evidence needed to prove how the attack happened and what loss it caused.
3
We Identify the Right Defendant and Insurer
We work out who should be pursued and whether there is insurance or another viable pathway to recovery.
4
We Value the Claim Properly
We make sure your claim reflects the full picture, not just the first doctor visit. That includes scarring, future treatment, psychological harm, lost income and ongoing impact.
5
We Negotiate and, If Needed, Litigate
Many dog attack compensation claims resolve by negotiation. If the other side refuses to act reasonably, we can advise you about the next steps toward court.
Strict Time Limits Apply
There are strict time limits for personal injury claims in WA. In many adult personal injury matters, the limitation period is generally 3 years, but special rules can apply and important evidence is easier to preserve early. If a child has been injured, get advice promptly rather than guessing about the time limit.
Why Choose MPK Lawyers?
People searching for a dog attack lawyer usually want the same thing: quick answers, clear advice and someone to take over the stress. That is exactly how we approach these matters.
Free First Consultation
No Win No Fee
Clear Advice
Fast Action While Evidence Is Fresh
Perth-Based Representation for WA Claims
Focused on Outcomes, Not Just Paperwork
Speak to MPK Lawyers Today
If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack, contact MPK Lawyers today for a free first consultation. We can tell you whether you have a claim, what it may be worth, and what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dog attack and dog bite compensation claims in Western Australia.
Yes. In WA, a dog attack is not limited to a bite. If the dog rushed at you, knocked you over, caused you to fall, tore your clothing or otherwise injured you, you may still have a claim.
Yes. Dog attack claims can arise on private property as well as in public places. For example, claims can arise when a person is attacked while visiting a home, delivering to an address, attending a property for work, or lawfully entering premises.
That may become an issue in the case, but it does not automatically defeat the claim. The facts matter. Get advice early so the incident can be properly investigated while the evidence is fresh.
Yes, in many cases. Dog bite claims involving children are often serious because of scarring, psychological trauma and future treatment needs. If a child has been attacked, get legal advice as soon as possible.
Normally a claim is lodged against the dog owner’s home insurance policy (public liability policy). We can help identify the right party and check whether insurance applies.
Strict time limits apply. In many adult personal injury matters in WA, the general period is 3 years, but you should not wait because different rules and practical issues can arise.
No. If you know the owner, that helps. If you do not, we may still be able to help by reviewing council, ranger, witness and other evidence.
Depending on the case, compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, psychological injury, scarring, care and support, and damages for pain and suffering.
Yes, that is usually a sensible step. Local rangers can investigate, collect evidence and take action under the Dog Act, but your compensation claim is a separate civil matter.