What to do when your child is the victim of a dog bite attack

As a parent, you want to minimize the pain and suffering your child experiences. However, sometimes things happen that are simply out of your control. That can include a dog bite attack. Whether your child was bitten while visiting the home of someone you know, walking in the street, or by a roaming dog while playing in the park, your family could experience long-term negative consequences.

Being bitten by a dog can be incredibly traumatic for a child, and it can also lead to a lot of medical expenses, both for primary medical treatment as well as management of secondary issues, such as the development of post-traumatic stress or a fear of dogs.

The dog’s owner will be liable — period

In the state of Connecticut, the law is very clear. As long as the person who was bitten was not illegally trespassing, the owner of the dog assumes all responsibility and liability for the damage his or her canine caused.

In some states, the victim of a dog bite has to prove that the owner of the dog was negligent by failing to restrain or fence it, or that the owner previously knew that the dog was vicious. Connecticut, however, has a strict liability standard, meaning neither of these issues need to be proved to the court to hold the owner of the dog responsible for the damage that one’s pet has caused your family and your child.

Dog bite attacks can be incredibly expensive

Depending on the severity of the dog bite attack and the location of the bite, there can be a lot of medical bills associated with a dog bite attack on a child. The child may only need the bite to be checked and cleaned, or the young victim could need stitches.

In severe cases, there could be need for emergency trauma services, bone setting, stitches, and even plastic surgery for attacks on the face, neck, and hands that leave visible scars. Additionally, your child may need psychological therapy to process the trauma of the attack, or need ongoing treatments to overcome a fear of dogs that develops as a result of the dog bite attack.

At attorney can tell you the right steps to take

Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure that your family is protected following the trauma of a dog bite attack. As soon as possible after the incident, you should contact a personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite cases.

This professional can review the details of your situation and determine what legal recourse is the best option for your family. First consultations are free, which means that there is nothing to lose and possibly much-needed relief for your family in this difficult time.