Dog Liability: Get Compensated for Damage

Questioner

I would like to ask whether it still makes sense to start a case for an incident that took place in May 2016. It concerns an incident for which I want to hold someone liable.

Lawyer

That does indeed still make sense. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can help you with the incident. I also have a liability form if you would like one. Please contact me via a private message.

Lawyer

It may indeed be useful to start a case. In the Netherlands, there is a general limitation period of 5 years. Whether this period applies to your situation, I unfortunately cannot indicate. I do not have enough information for that. Incidentally, it is of course the case that you as the claimant must provide the necessary evidence. The longer ago the incident, the more difficult it often is to provide this evidence.

Questioner

It's about an incident concerning my dog, I was walking on a leash in a leash area, there were 2 women chatting, both dogs were loose, knowing my dog ​​I might as well let him loose, although this actually had no influence on what happened. 1 of the dogs was already on its way, and immediately grabbed my dog. I went to the vet as soon as possible, and there it also turned out that the wound was not that bad. The vet also spoke of an unusual bite, which does not occur in a wrestling match between 2 dogs. I immediately approached the owner of the dog when I got home and asked if we could solve it through her insurance, after all, everyone is insured. She immediately indicated that she would not go into this, she sent me this in a long email in which everything that happened is stated in black and white but that she takes no responsibility for this. I would like to recover the veterinary costs from her. The other woman who also witnessed this is willing to testify if necessary. I can't do anything anymore, the police say they are not allowed to mediate in this matter either.

Lawyer

This is a civil matter so that reporting to the police is not necessary. As I read it, the owner of the loose and biting dog is liable for your damage, whether your dog is on a leash or not. The loose dog is not on a leash and causes the damage. You can therefore hold the owner of that dog liable in writing. Make sure you have good evidence, a witness statement on paper, etc. to support your arguments. If you still cannot reach an agreement, please contact me via a private message by clicking on the link in this answer.