Expert Warns Of 'Physical And Emotional Scars'

The experiences of a toddler who suffered serious dog bites in an attack by a Staffordshire bull terrier highlights just how much of an impact such incidents can have, an expert at Irwin Mitchell has warned.

Curtis Martin of Hucknall, Nottingham needed a total of 34 stitches after being left with multiple facial injuries in the attack, which happened at a neighbour’s home at the end of February.

According to the Nottingham Post, the two-year-old boy has faced a number of trips to hospital since the incident and needs regular antibiotics.

Katrina Elsey, of Irwin Mitchell who specialises in helping victims pursue a dog bite claim, said the difficulties faced by the youngster highlight why more needs to be done to protect people from such events.

She explained: “While terrible attacks like this leave obvious physical scars that people often have to live with for the rest of their lives, they also tend to cause a psychological impact on victims.

“In the past few months we have seen a number of reports of people being serious or fatally injured in dog attacks, and it is vital that lessons are learnt which will prevent others from suffering in the same manner.

“We have also regularly campaigned for the introduction of dog licensing and compulsory insurance, as this could help in properly identifying animals and making owners more accountable for irresponsible ownership.”