Last updated on December 5, 2024
Children are innocent and curious creatures, and the younger they are, the more vulnerable their innocence and curiosity make them. Children are naturally attracted to animals and may not really understand the difference between the stuffed doggy on their bed and the next-door neighbor’s cantankerous, aging Chihuahua. In these situations, both the child’s unfamiliarity with the dog and the dog’s unfamiliarity with children could result in serious injuries for the child.
One of the worst possible results of a child being bitten by a dog is that the child may develop an irrational, life-long fear of all dogs. For this reason, as well as the possibility of severe injury or death to the child, parents and dog owners should both take great care when the two are in close proximity. In the unfortunate event that a dog and child do come together and the child is bitten, the owner can be held liable for the child’s injuries.
If your child is bitten by a dog, it is vital that you contact an experienced Seattle dog bite lawyer familiar with the dog injury laws in your state. For those living in Washington, the legal team at the Seattle area offices of Pendergast Law has been successfully representing the families of children bitten by dogs for over 30 years. For your child’s sake, let us put our experience and knowledge to work on your case and get you the compensation you and your child deserve.
Call a Seattle child injury attorney at Pendergast Law today for a free and comprehensive case evaluation. Dial 888-539-9211 to begin your child’s recovery.
What Dog Bite Injuries May Children Suffer?
Because of the proximity of a dog’s mouth to the head of a child, most bite injuries are to the face, neck, and head areas. Also, a dog’s natural hunting instincts are to attack the throat. Some common injuries children suffer from dog bites include:
- Cuts
- Punctures to skin or internal organs
- Lacerations
- Broken and crushed bones
- Nerve and soft tissue damage
- Loss of skin
- Infections
- Excessive bleeding
Damages For A Child Dog Bite Attack
If your child is bitten by a dog, your family may be able to pursue compensation for any of the following damages:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical bills related to the bite (such as reconstructive surgeries, skin grafts, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Permanent injury or disability
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Mental anguish and emotional duress
- Costs of psychological therapy
- Lost wages a parent incurs while taking the child to doctor appointments, attending surgeries, and home care
- Wrongful death damages should the dog attack result in your child’s death
What Causes A Dog To Bite?
There are a variety of reasons why a dog will bite a human being. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and much of their behavior is based on their prehistoric instincts. Because dogs and children may be similar in size, the dog may see them as similar animals. This can cause a dog to act in a protective manner if they feel their territory, food, a possession, or person the dog is close to is being threatened. Younger children, particularly those under the age of 5 years old, may not understand these boundaries.
Sometimes a dog will bite as a reaction to pain, such as when a child who is unfamiliar with dogs will pull on its fur, tail, or ears, or hug a dog too hard. A dog may also react aggressively and bite if they are startled by the child. Dogs may bite if they are approached when sick or injured. If a child is running, the dog’s hunting instincts may kick in and prompt an attack.
Contact An Experienced Seattle Child Dog Attack Attorney
Dogs can have a wonderful, positive impact on a child’s life if proper care, training, and socialization are practiced. But in the unfortunate event that a dog bites your child, the attorneys of the Seattle law offices of Pendergast Law will be there to represent you and your child. Call 888-539-9211 for a no-cost, thorough case evaluation.