Children Bitten by Dogs: Higher Damages and Special Rules

grayscale photo of girl tapping dog's head

When a child is bitten by a dog, the physical and emotional consequences are often more severe than those experienced by adults. Pediatric dog bite injuries can result in long-term medical treatment, psychological trauma, and a need for surgical intervention.

Because of this, dog bite claims involving children typically result in higher damages and are governed by some unique legal considerations.

If you or someone around you is a dog bite victim who needs legal assistance, this article covers every essential detail.

Why Dog Bites in Children Are Treated Differently

Children are naturally curious and unaware of the risks posed by animals, especially pet dogs. As a result, they are more likely to approach dogs in ways that may unintentionally provoke them.

However, under most dog bite laws, children are offered special protections due to their age and vulnerability.

In many states, strict liability rules apply, meaning the dog owner is held responsible for the dog’s actions regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggressive tendencies.

This is particularly important when a child is the bite victim, as courts often prioritize the child’s safety and well-being in these cases. This is the basic premise that prevents dog bites for young children specifically, and what a dog bite lawyer may use during their case.

Higher Damages in Child Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite injuries in children often result in higher damages due to the severity and long-term impact of the wounds. These may include:

1. Medical Expenses:

Pediatric treatment, plastic surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up care can be extensive.

2. Pain and Suffering:

Children are especially susceptible to emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and long-term psychological symptoms.

3. Future Pain and Medical Costs:

Injuries that require ongoing treatment or revision surgery as the child grows.

4. Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement:

Bites to the face, head, or neck are common and can leave lasting marks.

5. Impact on Development:

Emotional trauma may affect a child’s development, confidence, and interactions with animals or even people.

Because of these unique factors, dog bite attorneys will carefully consider both current and future damages when pursuing compensation.

Considering the past and future pain helps the victims get coverage for more than just the medical bills. Moreover, a dog bite statute can also help guide in cases of severe injuries resulting from a dog bite.

girl wearing blue striped shirt beside black dog

Common Causes of Pediatric Dog Bites

Dog bite incidents involving children often occur in familiar settings, like a family member’s or friend’s home. In most dog bite cases, the dogs involved are not strays, but rather household or rescue dogs with known histories.

Despite their familiarity with children, some dogs exhibit aggressive behavior due to fear, past abuse, or lack of training.

Children may not recognize warning signs like growling or stiff body language, and they may approach a dog while it is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. These behaviors can inadvertently lead to animal bites.

Nonetheless, the dog’s aggressive tendencies can still hold the dog responsible for the damage. Remember, child victims have a higher chance of dealing with long-term damage when the bites occur, hence making liability claims easier.

Determining Liability in Child Dog Bite Cases

Under personal injury law, dog owners are typically held liable for injuries caused by their animals. In many jurisdictions, renters’ insurance policies or homeowners’ insurance will cover damages related to dog attacks.

Important legal factors include:

1. Strict Liability:

In many states, the owner is liable even if they had no prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior.

2. Negligence:

If the dog owner failed to properly restrain the dog or allowed it to roam freely, this can support a negligence claim.

3. Prior Knowledge:

If the animal’s owner knew the dog had a history of biting or aggression and did not take steps to prevent harm, liability increases.

In some jurisdictions, the dog breed or prior history of biting may also play a role in determining liability.

The Role of Animal Control and Reporting

After a dog attack, it is important to report the incident to local animal control authorities. This ensures there is an official record, and it may trigger an investigation into the dog’s behavior.

Animal control can also evaluate whether the dog should be classified as dangerous and help enforce measures to prevent future incidents.

Reporting also assists in tracking multiple bites and helps identify high-risk dogs or negligent owners.

The Importance of Medical Attention and Follow-Up

Immediate medical treatment is crucial in child dog bite cases. Not only do bite wounds carry a risk of infection, but prompt treatment ensures proper healing and reduces the risk of scarring. Pediatric patients may require:

  • Stitches or wound cleaning
  • Plastic or reconstructive surgery
  • Psychological treatment or counseling
  • Long-term care and follow-up evaluations

Medical documentation is also essential for supporting a dog bite claim. It determines the severity of damage and the overall situation of the victim.

Emotional Trauma and Psychological Symptoms

For children, the emotional damage caused by a dog attack can be just as serious as the physical wounds. Common psychological issues include:

  • PTSD: Flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety
  • Fear of Animals: Avoidance of dogs or other pets
  • Sleep Disruptions: Trouble sleeping due to fear or anxiety
  • Behavioral Changes: Increased aggression, withdrawal, or separation anxiety

Dog bite lawyers with experience take these symptoms seriously and may work with mental health professionals to evaluate the child’s psychological condition and calculate the settlement amount accordingly.

Handling the legal process for a child’s dog bite case requires a skilled personal injury lawyer with experience in both animal attack laws and pediatric claims. An attorney will:

  • Gather medical records, witness statements, and photos
  • Review the dog’s history and the owner’s knowledge
  • Investigate the bite circumstances thoroughly
  • Handle negotiations with the insurance company
  • File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary

Most dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees. They are only paid if the case is successful. However, we recommend discussing more traumatic injuries or the victim’s death in more detail with the legal team to get better clarity.

Waiting too long to file a dog bite claim can result in missed deadlines under the statute of limitations. While some extensions may apply in cases involving minors, it is always best to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.

Seeking Fair Compensation for Your Child

Fair compensation in pediatric dog bite cases should cover:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma and therapy costs
  • Physical therapy
  • Plastic or reconstructive surgery
  • Loss of quality of life

An experienced personal injury attorney will pursue every avenue to ensure the child bite victim receives full compensation for both physical and emotional damages. They can also guide victims against red flags that weaken dog bite injury lawsuits.

They can also guide victim families regarding specific challenges that could arise in their particular case. Therefore, we recommend discussing case specifics with dog bite attorneys and getting it sorted out.

Bottom Line

At Bourassa Law Group, we understand how traumatic and complex pediatric dog bite injuries can be. Our experienced dog bite injury attorneys are committed to protecting your child’s future and holding negligent dog owners accountable. Even if it occurred on personal property, you deserve justice.

We know how damaging such cases can be for children and families, which is why we will make sure that you get deserved compensation for the damages.

Contact Bourassa Law Group for Help

If your child has been bitten by a dog, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the fair compensation your family deserves.

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