Do I Need a Lawyer If My Child Was Bit By a Dog?
June 20, 2019 | Dog Bites
Children are the primary victims of severe dog bite injuries. Thousands of children under the age of 9 are injured in dog bite accidents in the U.S. every year, and most require medical treatment for their injuries. No parent should have to experience their child being bitten by a dog, but when it does happen, a lawyer can alleviate some of the stress and offer support during this terrible time.
Severity of Child Dog Bite Injuries
While all dogs are capable of being dangerous, there are certain dog breeds such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers that are more commonly associated with dog bite attacks. An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, half of whom are children. Some dog bite accidents occur in public places, but the majority of child dog bite injuries are sustained in households that own a dog and have a child under the age of 9. Children are more likely to rough house with animals, disturb dogs while they are trying to eat or drink, and provoke a dog by yelling, aggressively petting, or throwing items such as toys, which can put a dog on offense and lead to a dog bite accident. The most commonly reported child dog bite injuries include the following:
- Damage to a child’s eyes, lips, or mouth
- Head injuries, such as concussions, fractures, and ear damage
- Nerve damage and lacerations to a child’s arms, legs, or face
- Neck punctures or fractures
According to a study done by the American Journal of Otolaryngology, a significant percentage of pediatric traumas are attributed to child dog bite injuries (40%). While some of these cases are ineligible to recover compensation, with proof of the child’s injuries, evidence that the accident occurred on public property, proof that the dog bit the child without provocation or trespassing, and help from an experienced Dog Bite Lawyer, the dog’s owner can be found liable for your child’s dog bite injuries.
What Should I Do If My Child is Bit By a Dog?
If your child was bitten by a dog, you are likely frightened and confused about how to proceed with your case. Dog bite accidents, especially accidents involving children, can be traumatic, and it can be stressful and overwhelming to file a claim while your child is recovering from severe injuries. To ensure the best results possible for your case against the dangerous dog’s owner, it’s essential to have a physician treat your child’s injuries and file a medical report, gather evidence, such as information about the dog’s size, breed, and age, file a police report, and consult an experienced lawyer to protect your rights.
Talk to a Child Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you are unsure what to do after your child is involved in a dog bite accident, it’s essential to hire a Child Dog Bite Lawyer to represent your case. A Dog Bite Lawyer can demand the most compensation for your child’s severe dog bite injuries, and get justice for your child’s pain and suffering by bringing a compelling claim against the dog’s negligent owner.
Christopher Dixon and the St. Louis Child Dog Bite Lawyers at the Dixon Injury Firm know how terrible dog bite accidents can be, especially when they involve a child. Our lawyers are committed to fighting for your child’s rights and recovering the most compensation for your child’s pain and suffering caused in a dog bite accident. The Dixon Injury Firm has recovered more than $35,000,000, in settlements and recoveries for personal injury victims, and Chris Dixon’s dedication to helping victims with their cases has repeatedly earned recognition as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers.
For more information on how our lawyers can help with your child’s case, call (314) 409-7060, 855-40-CRASH, or contact the Dixon Injury Firm today to schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis Child Dog Bite Lawyers, and explore the options available to your child’s case for recovering compensation from the dog’s negligent owner.