English 
Spanish Knowing when to hire a dog bite attorney to handle your claim or lawsuit after your child suffers bite injuries could make a difference in your child’s physical and emotional recovery. When a child requires medical care to deal with their injuries, the costs could quickly cause financial stress for the family.
By holding the dog’s owner responsible and seeking fair compensation, parents can ensure their child gets the treatment and support they need, hold the dog’s owner accountable, and prevent similar incidents in the future. A Los Angeles dog bite lawyer handles cases based on dog bite injuries in children. Most provide free case consultations.
When Should I Consider Discussing My Child’s Injury With a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bite injuries in children can be very serious. Any time the skin is broken, medical care is warranted. The risk of infection is high. Minor injuries can be treated by their primary care physician within 24 hours or at a walk-in clinic. More serious puncture wounds or tearing of soft tissue require emergency care at a nearby emergency room.
If your child’s injuries require care, you may want to discuss your legal options with a child dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Under California law, and in many other states, victims and their families can hold the dog’s owner legally liable and recover compensation for their medical care costs and other expenses.
Connect with a personal injury law firm as soon as possible. The sooner an attorney begins investigating the incident, the stronger the case may be against the dog’s owner. Some evidence, such as video of the incident from a local business, might be lost if you delay.
What Do the Dog Bite Laws Say About Liability When a Child Is Bitten?
Dog bite liability for children’s injuries depends on the applicable state laws. In California, dog owners are strictly liable for the injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the age of the victim. According to the LA County Department of Public Health, this is true when the victim is in “a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog.”
Based on this law, a dog bite attorney can pursue compensation from the dog’s owner and recover money for damages such as:
- Medical care for bite injuries and complications
- Future medical treatment, such as plastic surgery for scarring
- Mental health care and emotional support
- Pain and suffering
Some owners may try to claim the child teased the dog or otherwise caused or contributed to the attack. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to counter these accusations and mitigate any effect on the case they might have.
Common Injuries and Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Children
Children commonly suffer significant injuries in dog attacks because of their small size. Large dogs with strong bite force can cause catastrophic injuries in seconds. While most dog bite victims suffer minor injuries, many others require treatment for serious injuries that could include:
- Puncture wounds
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Eye damage and vision loss
- Traumatic amputation
Common complications include serious infections and scarring. These could require additional treatment and care. Many children also develop a significant fear of dogs and other mental health concerns because of an attack. Therapy should be considered.
It is possible to pursue compensation for the necessary care, including future care costs. Your attorney will know how to value your case based on medical bills, prognosis, and other factors.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help With Your Legal Case
Having dog attack legal representation on your side can make it easier to hold the dog’s owner accountable and recover compensation. You can focus on your child’s recovery while the dog bite attorney builds a case and pursues compensation for your family.
When necessary, your lawyer will file a dog bite lawsuit for kids. Taking the case to court could allow you to get justice even if the dog owner’s insurance carrier refuses to compensate your family for your expenses and losses.
Generally, families in California only have two years to sue for injuries or wrongful death under CCP § 335.1. However, exceptions could apply. Talking to a lawyer as soon as possible after your child is hurt ensures you meet all applicable deadlines.
Discuss Your Legal Options With Our Dog Bite Team for Free
At KJT Law Group, our personal injury team provides free consultations for families whose children suffered injuries in a California dog bite incident. We can help you understand your rights and legal options for pursuing compensation and getting justice.
Contact us using our online form or call (818) 507-8525 for your free case consultation.
