A dog bite injury can occur any time an owner is irresponsible and negligent and, though anyone can be vulnerable to these sudden attacks, children are at a higher risk and make up a large proportion of those who suffer these serious injuries. In fact, children under the age of 15 account for about 60% of all dog bite injuries, with the majority of them falling between the ages of 5 and 9. Additionally, the dog bite injuries children sustain also tend to be much more severe.
Preventing Dog Bite Injuries
Half of all dog bite injuries involve dogs that are familiar to us or happen in a child’s neighborhood. Below are some tips to help prevent them from happening to your child:
- Make sure your child understands the importance of asking for permission before reaching out to pet someone’s dog
- Your child should never try to pet a dog he or she does not know and should remain still if one approaches
- Tell your child to go to an adult regarding any stray dogs or dogs that are exhibiting unusual behavior
Dogs might be man’s best friend, but they are animals and can sometimes behave unpredictably. Your child should understand never to disturb a dog that is sleeping, play aggressively, or make loud noises that could potentially frighten a dog. Under no circumstances should you ever let a small child play with a dog without supervision.
What to Do If Your Child is Bitten or Attacked
In the event that your child is bitten or attacked by a dog, there are some steps you should take, which include:
- Even if your child sustained a minor wound, you should still take him or her to see a healthcare provider to ensure it does not become infected. Take pictures of the wound before it is treated.
- If your child sustained a deeper wound, apply a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding and take him or her to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. If necessary, dial 911 for emergency medical services.
Remember, a serious dog bite can result in loss of function, or a painful infection, especially if the dog was not vaccinated against rabies. Even if the bite does not appear to be serious, it is better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you take your child to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. It will also support your personal injury claim, so you can recover damages for the expenses necessary to cover the costs of your child’s medical expenses.
It is also important to report the bite, so do not forget to contact your local animal control agency or police department.
Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Nassau County
If your child was attacked and bitten by a dog, resulting in a serious injury, you need to secure skilled legal representation to fight for the fair and just compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli, our legal team in Nassau County is here to guide you through this process and provide the fierce legal advocacy you need to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Get started on your case today and contact us at (516) 628-6402 to request your free initial consultation.