It’s a fair assumption that the majority of dog bite injury claims are filed by the victims themselves. In other words, an unprovoked dog bites you, and you seek compensation for your injuries, lost time at work, emotional trauma, etc. But what about children? Generally speaking, children are more vulnerable to dog bite injuries than adults—perhaps they approach a dog they don’t know, agitate the dog by mistake, or fail to recognize the warning signs.
There are plenty more reasons why a dog would be more apt to bite a child. And yet, a minor child can’t file a lawsuit on their own. Which begs the question: can a parent file a dog-bite injury claim for their child?
If a dog attacked your child, then yes, you may have the right to file a dog bite injury claim on their behalf.
Who Is Eligible To Pursue a Dog Bite Injury Claim on Behalf of a Child?
An estimated 4.5 to 4.7 million people (half of whom are kids) are bitten in the United States each year. About 800,000 of those require medical attention, and as a result, U.S. insurers paid out $1.57 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2024 alone. Those numbers aren’t slowing down, and the results can range from emotional trauma to broken bones, crushing injuries, nerve damage, severe lacerations, and even permanent scarring and disfigurement.
In these and other scenarios, a dog bite injury claim is almost always filed. It is a form of personal injury legal action, and the goal is to hold the responsible party (for instance, the dog’s owner) accountable for their dog’s actions.
When children are involved, the following parties can generally file the claim on their behalf:
- The child’s parents or legal guardians
- A court-appointed guardian or representative
- Another adult who has been given legal authority to act on the child’s behalf
How Should Parents Act Immediately After Their Child Is Bitten?
If your child is the victim of a dog bite injury, the most prudent course of action is to help them seek immediate medical attention. Even minor bites can lead to infections and complications. Not to mention, a medical evaluation leaves zero questions about the extent of the injuries and the doctor’s recommendations.
In addition to seeking prompt medical care, document the injury through photos and videos. Gather as much information about what happened, the type of dog involved, the owner’s contact information, and the dog’s vaccination history. Even if the owner insists their dog has had all its shots, they must provide proof. Depending on local laws, reporting the bite may be necessary. At a minimum, doing so creates an official record, which is crucial if you ultimately decide to file a dog bite injury claim.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Your family may be entitled to compensation for your child’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. A personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite injuries will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We’ll handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary.
We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, especially for those dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack. That’s why we’ll keep you informed, so you always know what’s going on with your case.
Time is of the essence in these cases, so it’s important to act quickly.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!
When you have a legal question, you must have an attorney who has both legal and practical experience to answer it. At Keys Law Offices, our legal and life experiences uniquely qualify us to answer your questions. We represent people in a variety of legal disputes in the areas of Auto Accidents, Criminal Law, and Personal Injury. We also understand the complex legal and regulatory issues involved in these cases and know how to investigate and litigate to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
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