Dog Bites child

Children are at an increased risk of being bitten by a dog than adults. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends never allowing your child to play with a dog unsupervised. Dog bite injuries in children also tend to be more severe physically and emotionally.

What to do when you or your Child are Approached by an Unfamiliar Dog?

Dog about to attack a child

If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, your actions immediately following can determine if a dog bite will result. First, you want to stop immediately and slowly turn your body sideways to the dog. Approaching the dog face first can appear aggressive to the dog, so it is best to avoid all eye contact. Then you want to remind yourself to stay calm and avoid any loud noises.

The worst thing you can do is run from the dog because they are more likely to chase and bite you if you do. Lastly, you want to slowly bring your hands to cover your neck, so if the dog does bite the injuries may be less severe. Hopefully, after completing all of those steps the dog will slowly walk away. If a dog bite still results, it is important to know the steps to take after a dog bite.

What to do if Your Child is Bit by a Dog?

One of the most common places that children are bit by dogs is at a friend’s house. If your child is visiting a friend and is bit by a dog, you must ensure you take the proper steps to protect your child.

Child hugging a friend's dog

Dog bites can have a range of medical consequences. Some are less severe with bites and scratches that require stiches or surgery, while others are quite extensive requiring plastic surgery and ongoing therapy, physical and mental. Children, especially, are more likely to require mental therapy after a dog bite to treat for such things as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.

If your child calls you to report they have been bitten by a dog, first, ensure that your child is okay. Next, you want to get all the information regarding the dog and the dog owner. You also want to get as many details and eye witnesses that can account for what occurred when your child was bit. Most importantly, you must seek medical attention right away and keep detailed documents regarding medical treatments.

Doctor applying a bandage to child after dog bite

Lastly, take photos of the injuries and contact your local animal control center to report the dog. A child bitten by a dog is very traumatic for both the child and the parent. It is easiest to focus on your child and get a Cranston RI dog bite lawyer to handle the rest.

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Today!

Dog Bite LawyerIf you or a loved one have been injured by a dog bite, contact one of our experienced Cranston RI dog bite lawyers. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, among other losses. We charge no legal fees unless we get you a settlement or award. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.

Source:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html
Author Photo

Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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