December 13, 2016
The effects of dog bites on children
Dog bites can cause serious injury and emotional or psychological damage.
Children, in particular, are vulnerable to dog bites.
By working with a St. Louis attorney, you take legal action for a dog bite injury.
The American Humane Association reports that 82 percent of dog bites treated in emergency rooms involve children under the age of 15.
The Association also reported that bite rates are significantly higher among children between the ages of five and nine.
In fact, approximately 70 percent of dog bite fatalities occur among children under the age of 10.
Some researchers at a veterinary behavioral clinic analyzed dog bite cases to determine why children suffer more from dog bits than adults.
Their study was reported in the medical journal Injury Prevention.
Some of the reasons included:
- Children under 6 years-old often threaten to take the dog’s toy or food
- Children are more likely to intrude on a dog’s territory
- Small children, in particular, are fast, loud and energetic, causing the dog to become irritated
- Children are more likely to tug on a dog’s ear, pull their tails or jump on their back
- Children do not realize when they are causing the dog pain, annoying them, or when to leave them alone
It is our hope that dog and children attacks do not ever happen.
It is important that parents keep a close eye on their children when they are around dogs.
Sometimes, however, a dog is not properly trained and gets loose from its owners gaurd or the owner does not keep a close enough eye on their pet.
What should I do if my child has been bitten or attacked by a dog?
The first thing you should do if your child has been attached by a dog is see a doctor.
It is very important to get the proper medical attention for you child so the wound does not get infected.
Next, depending on the situation, you should contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience in dog bite cases.
Donna Clark Frayne, a St. Louis dog bite lawyer, says that even if you think you or your child is at fault, contacting an injury lawyer cannot hurt.
If you are going to be hit with expensive medical bills you want to make sure the right person is paying these fees.