Theatre Worker Bitten By Rottweiler Wins Damages

A London theatre worker who was attacked by a Rottweiler on her way home from work has received a four-figure sum in compensation for her injuries.

Miriam Spencer, 35, was attacked by the dog, which was not wearing a muzzle, as she walked home from the train station through Gipsy Hill after an evening performance at the Old Vic theatre on 29 June 2012.

Miss Spencer was speaking with her father on her mobile phone when the attack took place. She was taken completely by surprise as she had not made any sudden movements or been close to the dog when it happened. She was bitten on the underneath of her upper left arm as she put her hands up to protect her face.

She was taken to hospital and treated for three bite wounds on her arm. Owing to the severity of her injuries, she underwent surgery to stitch the wounds on the following day and was not able to return to work for several weeks.

Her ordeal has not only left Miss Spencer with permanent scarring from the bite marks but it has also had a marked psychological impact on her. She is now terrified of dogs and lives in fear of another attack. She is having counselling to help her overcome the trauma.

Miss Spencer claimed compensation from the owner of the dog and has won an undisclosed settlement from the owner's insurance company.

Whilst some breeds of dog are banned, any dog can cause serious injuries if it decides to attack. If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to report the incident to the police, as not only will this ensure that there is an official record of the attack but it will also enable you to find out whether the dog has been involved in any previous incidents.

The GOV.UK website contains information on the law relating to controlling dogs in public.

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