Has Your Child Been Bitten By a Dog? Here’s What to Do Next

Last Updated on May 19, 2022 by Kylie Morrison

While most dog bite cases do not cause serious complications to the victim, there are many cases in which  the individual may require hospitalization or medical attention. This is especially common when the victims are children. Children are at a higher risk of being seriously injured by a dog bite than adults. Today, we have gathered some facts about dog bites among children and answered some FAQs. 

Why are dog bites different for children than for adults? 

Basically, because of their weight and size, children are at more risk when it comes to dog attacks, and they more often suffer severe injuries. Across the United States, there are more than 89 million dogs, and 4.5 million dog bites occur each year. Children are the victims of at least half of those dog bites

In most dog bite cases shared by several personal injury attorneys in Boston, children have suffered torn ligaments, puncture wounds, tendon injuries, nerve damage, eye injuries, and broken bones. Your child may have to undergo extensive medical treatment in any of these situations. Without any doubt, the required medical treatment can be quite expensive, even if your health insurance plan covers a major portion of the costs. 

In addition to being more physically vulnerable than adults, children also usually lack the emotional maturity to handle the trauma of a dog attack or dog bite. Consequently, a dog bite can result in severe psychological and emotional trauma for a child, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. In these situations,  healing the psychological wounds might be very difficult. It is quite possible that your child may require years of therapy or counseling. 

Why consider contacting a personal injury law firm in a dog bite case? 

If your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog and has experienced a severe injury, you might be entitled to compensation, ultimately covering medical bills and other losses. Law in Boston, MA, is fairly complicated. When pursuing a claim for these types of cases, a layman’s experience may not be adequate. That is why a reputable Massachusetts personal injury attorney can be of great assistance. The dog owner can be held liable for your child’s injuries. Keep in mind that the outcome of your compensation primarily depends on the facts and how the state law applies to your child’s situation. So before you consider filing a claim lawsuit, make sure to have an initial consultation with an experienced lawyer to discuss the event. 

FAQs related to dog bites cases:

• What are some common types of injuries from dog bites?

Dogs are most likely to attack a victim’s face, arms, legs, and nose. Therefore, scarring, bruising, and emotional damage are common in such cases. Children, compared to adults, are more susceptible to receiving injuries related to bones, eyes, and ligaments. In addition, infections can be a serious problem if the child’s wounds do not receive immediate medical treatment. 

• What type of compensation is my child eligible for if a dog has bitten them? 

If your child has suffered a dog bite, then, as mentioned above, they may be entitled to compensation. This compensation may cover medical treatment and mental anguish which needs to be treated through therapy. Many child victims of dog bites suffer anxiety and psychological damage following such an attack. 

• Are certain breeds of dogs outlawed in Boston, MA? 

Laws vary according to states and cities in the US, but Boston, MA, has some of the strictest laws on animal ownership. For example, fighting class dogs, terriers, American and Staffordshire bull terriers, and standard terriers are prohibited in Boston. Additionally, dogs with pitbull blood almost always remain on the prohibited list, as well as any other dogs that share a common gene pool with them.

• Is there any insurance for dog bites? 

Not every specific dog bite injury might be covered under your insurance plan. However, some insurance policies cover different dog bite situations. You may have to contact your lawyer or insurance provider to confirm the details regarding your situation 

• What does strict liability mean?

Strict liability means the dog owner will be held liable for any injury from a dog attack, regardless of whether or not the owner thought the dog was dangerous. In Boston, MA, the strict liability statute applies to dog bite cases in some situations. 

ENDNOTE

Has your child suffered from a dog bite or attack? If so, you may need someone who can stand up for you. You read that right; an expert lawyer can help you receive the compensation your child deserves to pay for expensive medical bills and other expenses. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a law firm for an initial consultation and a case review.