Liablity for animals
Injuries caused by an animal can happen unexpectedly and have serious consequences. For example, a dog bite, a fall caused by a loose animal or a traffic accident involving an animal.
Personal injury caused by an animal
Besides the physical injury, such an incident can leave you with many questions. Who is responsible? Who will pay for the damage? And what are your rights in the Netherlands? We help you understand your position and guide you step by step through the legal process.
What is liability for animals? Liability for animals applies when someone suffers an injury because of the behaviour of an animal. In many cases, the owner or keeper of the animal is legally responsible for the damage the animal causes, even if the owner did not act carelessly.
This does not only apply to dogs, but also to animals such as horses or livestock. Whether you are entitled to financial compensation depends on the specific circumstances and what exactly happened. During a free consultation, we listen to your story and clearly explain what your options are.
Strict liability of the owner
In cases involving injury caused by an animal, Dutch law often applies what is called strict liability. This means the owner or keeper can be held responsible even without proof of fault. This rule exists to protect injured people, so you are not left alone dealing with the consequences.
The conduct of the injured person
Although the owner is often liable, the behavior of the victim can also play a role. For example, when someone knowingly took a risk or provoked the animal. In such cases, the circumstances are considered and liability may be shared.
Different situations require careful assessment
An incident involving an animal can happen in different settings, such as in traffic, during recreational activities or on private property. The context in which the injury occurred influences how liability is assessed. A careful legal analysis clarifies which rules apply and what this means for your right to compensation.
Common consequences of injury caused by an animal
The consequences can vary from person to person. Injuries may include bite wounds, fractures, scars or long term physical complaints. Psychological effects, such as fear of animals or insecurity in daily life, are also common.
There may also be financial consequences, such as medical expenses, loss of income or limitations in work and leisure activities. This combination can make the situation overwhelming. You do not have to deal with this alone. We are here to discuss your situation and explain what steps can be taken.
How we can help
We support you in assessing liability and determining the full extent of your damages. We examine the role of the animal’s owner or keeper and the circumstances of the incident.
We handle communication with the other party and guide you throughout the process in clear English. This keeps everything structured and ensures that you understand what is happening at every stage.
Why choose AVB Law
At AVB Law, we work carefully and with personal attention in cases involving injury caused by animals. We understand that legal matters in a foreign country can feel intimidating, and we take the time to explain your rights clearly.
You have direct contact with a lawyer and can rely on clear communication and a personal approach tailored to your situation.
What clients say about us
Our clients can explain it better than we can. In their words, you will read how important it is to feel heard, to receive clarity and to know that someone is standing beside you during a difficult period.
I have been assisted by Ms. Van Beest and her team for the past 9 years. I can only say that they are outstanding professionals. In addition to the legal work, Ms. Van Beest also helped me with many related matters and engaged various parties to support me.
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I see Ms. van Beest and her team as true fighters who don’t let go until everything is handled properly and the best possible result is achieved. I want to say a huge thank you to Team AVB Law, and especially to Babette van Beest, for everything she has done for me. While I hope it won’t be necessary, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to her again if the need arises.
Michel B.
3 months ago
I am extremely satisfied with the guidance from Sam. From the very first moment I felt taken seriously and well supported. Sam helped guide me through the process with great knowledge and dedication, and I am very grateful to her for that.
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Thanks to her commitment and clear communication, everything went smoothly and with excellent results. AVB Law not only met my expectations, but exceeded them!
Saar
4 months ago
The lawyer who assisted me made me feel that I could rely on her full commitment. I was not just a number to her, but a person. During the guidance she never lost sight of the human side of the situation. This meant a great deal to me during this unpleasant and uncertain period.
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AVB Law should definitely keep doing what it’s doing and continue to ensure that clients feel seen as individuals. Thank you so much for your guidance!
Wilma P.
4 months ago
In my opinion, AVB Law’s greatest strength was their communication. Sometimes they only needed a single word to understand what I wanted to say. In addition, I was always kept well informed about the progress of the case.
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All in all, I cannot name any negative aspects of their guidance.
Harrie vd H.
4 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance provided by AVB Law. They communicated clearly and gave good and clear explanations about matters that were unfamiliar to me.
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In addition, they were accessible, so I didn’t hesitate to contact my lawyer if I had any questions. Thanks to her encouraging words, Sanna guided me through the process, even though the case took a long time. I am well prepared for that too.
Suzanne O.
3 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance, support, and help from my lawyers Babette and Raymond. They have a great deal of knowledge and provide clear information. They are skilled negotiators who aim for the best possible outcome. They keep you well informed about everything and are personally involved.
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From start to finish and even beyond, they are committed and offer excellent support.
They have exceeded all expectations and offer outstanding quality. I always felt heard throughout the case, and they are easy to reach and approachable.
A highly professional firm that is there for you both professionally and personally, which is what you want when dealing with personal injury.
Sanne H.
3 months ago
I am extremely grateful for the professional and committed help I received from AVB Law and Babette van Beest during my personal injury case. From the first contact I felt heard, taken seriously, and truly supported.
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Babette works meticulously, communicates clearly, and has an eye for both the legal and human aspects of the process. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and kept me informed of every step. Thanks to her efforts, my case had a very positive outcome, which gave me a great deal of peace of mind and confidence during a difficult period.
I can wholeheartedly recommend AVB Law to anyone dealing with personal injury. An honest, knowledgeable, and empathetic firm where you are truly in good hands.
Varsana Yogawinkel
4 months ago
AVB Law is a very professional and personally involved party, which we experienced as very pleasant. We are grateful for the excellent assistance from Raymond.
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He worked tirelessly on our behalf, kept us informed throughout the process, always gave honest and sound advice, and he is guaranteed to deliver on all his promises. We therefore wholeheartedly recommend Raymond and AVB Law.
Ferdinand vd B.
3 months ago
During my process (which ultimately lasted 11 years), Raymond always maintained a good balance between staying calm in his approach, expressing justified indignation when needed, and continuing to think strategically.
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I am also grateful to him for telling me, after about three years, that the real extent of the damage would only become more visible in the years to come. He insisted on first reaching an agreement about which examinations would be carried out on me and by whom before we could proceed further.
We were always in contact whenever I needed it. He almost always called me back or let me know something.
Finally, I felt such trust in him that I dared to rely on his wisdom. I felt the same with Babette, and I appreciated her energy and determination to keep moving forward. The points I raised were genuinely taken into account in the further procedure. Because of the excellent guidance I received, I have already recommended AVB Law to two other people.
Looking back: what a process it has been. I am so grateful that they stood by me and represented me as a constant, calm, knowledgeable, and strong presence in the “battle” with the insurance company.
Daan vd W.
4 months ago
Other types of personal injury
Workplace accidents
Accidents during work
Medical malpractice
Inadequate healthcare
Sport and Games
Injuries during activities
FAQ
When is the owner liable for damage caused by an animal?
Under Dutch law, the owner or keeper of an animal is liable when the animal causes damage through its own behaviour. This includes instinctive actions such as biting, kicking, pushing someone over, scratching or suddenly running away. The owner is responsible even if the animal is normally calm and not aggressive. This is based on strict liability for animals.
Am I entitled to compensation if I was injured by an animal?
Yes. If you suffered an injury caused by someone else’s animal, you can usually claim compensation. You do not need to prove that the owner acted negligently. It is sufficient to show that the animal’s behaviour caused your injury.
Am I still liable if I was not present when my animal caused damage?
Yes. As the legal owner or keeper, you remain liable even if you were not present at the time of the incident. Liability is linked to ownership, not physical presence.
When am I not liable for damage caused by my animal?
Liability may not apply in exceptional situations, for example if:
- you are not the legal owner or keeper of the animal
- the animal acted entirely under direct human control
- the damage was caused by an external factor and not by the animal’s own behaviour
These situations are rare and assessed carefully under Dutch law.
Does my liability insurance cover damage caused by my animal?
Coverage depends on whether you have taken out private liability insurance (AVP). In most cases, damage caused by dogs and cats is covered under such policies. For horses and other larger animals, special conditions may apply. It is advisable to check the specific terms of your insurance policy.
What should I do if I was injured by an animal?
Seek medical attention and make sure your injuries are documented. Take photographs of the injury and the location, collect witness details and obtain the contact information of the animal’s owner. Contact a personal injury lawyer to assess liability and your right to compensation.
What should I do if my animal caused damage?
Document what happened, take photographs and collect witness details. Report the incident to your liability insurer as soon as possible. If the incident involves personal injury or there is a dispute about liability, seek legal advice promptly.
Am I liable if someone else was temporarily walking or caring for my animal?
In many cases, the legal owner remains liable. However, liability may shift if another person can be considered the temporary keeper of the animal, such as a riding instructor during a lesson. Each situation depends on the specific circumstances.
What happens if an animal causes damage to another animal?
Strict liability also applies when one animal injures another animal. Veterinary costs, treatment expenses and related damages must generally be compensated by the owner or their insurer.
Am I liable if my animal startles and causes someone to fall?
Yes. A sudden reaction by an animal, such as a horse rearing or a dog unexpectedly pulling forward, is considered behaviour of the animal. If this behaviour causes injury, the owner can be held liable.
How is compensation calculated for injury caused by an animal?
Compensation depends on the consequences for the injured person. This may include medical expenses, travel costs, loss of income, costs of care or assistance and compensation for pain and suffering. In cases involving serious injury, the total compensation can be substantial.