Children and Dog Bites: What Parents Should Know
Children are bitten by dogs more than anyone else, and they tend to be hurt the worst. If your child has been bitten, understanding the injuries, the trauma, and how a claim works can help you protect them.
Why children are hurt worse
Children are small and often at a dog's eye level, so their bites are more frequently to the face and head, with more severe scarring. They also cannot always read a dog's warning signs, and the emotional trauma can last for years.
Provocation defenses are weaker against a child
Insurers may argue a child provoked the dog, but a young child is not held to an adult's standard of caution, which makes that defense much weaker. The focus stays on the owner's responsibility.
A child’s claim has special protections
A settlement for an injured child generally requires court approval and follows rules meant to protect the child's recovery, including future care for scarring. These steps are handled for the family.
The trauma is part of the harm
A lasting fear of dogs, nightmares, and anxiety are recognized, compensable harms. Documenting the emotional impact, including any counseling, is part of protecting the child's claim.
Frequently asked questions
My child seems okay physically but is now scared of dogs. Does that matter?
Yes. Emotional trauma, including a lasting fear of dogs, is a recognized harm and can be significant for a child. It is part of a claim, and documenting it — including any counseling — helps.
This article is general information about Dog Bites injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
The law depends on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to dog bites.
Bitten by someone else's dog?
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