A dog bites your child: what to do and how to hold the dog’s owner accountable

You instilled in your children the importance of exercising caution while around dogs, especially if you have never met the dog’s owner or met the dog previously.

A dog can bite your child despite your best efforts, leaving agonizing wounds that will last a lifetime. Your child will require immediate vaccinations if the dog is infected with something like rabies.

Handling the dog bite injuries of a youngster

If your child is the victim of a dog bite attack, there are steps you can do to treat their injuries quickly and decrease the risk of infection:

  • To stop the bleeding, place a clean towel over the wound.
  • If your child is able, elevate the damaged region.
  • Soap and water should be used to clean up the bite.
  • Use a sterile bandage to cover the wound.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment on the wound daily until it heals.

A trip to the hospital emergency room may be necessary for more serious wounds. If your child has a wound that won’t stop bleeding, a deep bite, or symptoms of infection, take him to the hospital immediately. Find out if the dog has received all of its shots, including the rabies vaccine, and inform the veterinarian if it has. Tell the doctor if your child has any disorders that could impair their immune system and make the recovery process more difficult.

Taking dog owners to court for their behavior

Dog owners have a legal obligation to take reasonable measures to prevent their animals from biting others. For example, walking the dog on a leash, teaching it commands, and installing adequate fences around the yard can all help protect your dog from getting out and wandering around the neighborhood. Many dog owners, unfortunately, do not uphold their obligations. As a result, dogs whose owners failed to control them attack unwitting victims.

As a result, personal injury law allows dog bite victims to sue the animal’s owners for damages. If the victim is a youngster, their guardians may be able to sue on their behalf. In addition to paying for your child’s medical expenses, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress your child has experienced. You just need the help of a dog bite lawyer to file a successful claim.

Making Dog Safety a Priority in the Education of Children

The medical costs associated with dog bites total about $165 million per year. Adults may be concerned about these expenses, but children are more likely to be injured.

Those under the age of 20 account for up to 75% of all bites, with youngsters aged five to nine being the most vulnerable.

Even if you can’t stop every dog from being hostile, you can reduce the likelihood of your children becoming a victim by following these tips. Informing your family about proper animal behavior will spare you from a lot of heartache in the future.

A Good Place to Begin

Before approaching, touching, or playing with a dog, children should seek the permission of the owner. The owner will most likely be able to tell if the circumstances will result in a positive interaction.

When given permission, youngsters should go cautiously.

Make careful you pet the dog’s body first and avoid the head while petting – Use a calm voice to speak with the dog – Keep an eye out for changes in behavior.

 

 

 

 

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