What to Do if Your Child was Bitten by a Dog

Dog bites happen frequently, with millions of cases reported each year, ranging from minor injuries to severe attacks. After inspecting such cases, I’ve noticed that the best possible solution is swift and immediate action.If you or your child is bitten, acting quickly and appropriately can prevent infections, reduce complications, and ensure proper medical and legal steps are taken.

A dog bite that breaks the skin can cause significant damage to the health of your child. They introduce bacteria, leading to infections like tetanus, rabies, or sepsis, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and drainage. Washing the wound thoroughly helps remove bacteria and reduce the risk of these infections. About 800,000 Americans every year require medical treatment due to dog bites. With about a half of them being children, my years of practice show no decline of this trend, so let’s take a closer look at the consequences of dog bites and how to effectively deal with them.

Immediate Care and When to Seek Emergency Help

If a dog bite occurs, start by stopping any bleeding with a clean cloth while applying gentle pressure. Make sure to wash the wound immediately with soap and warm water, remove any loose debris without pushing objects deeper. The key is to stop the spread of bacteria. Apply an antibiotic cream, and cover it with a sterile bandage to reduce the risk of infection.

Seek emergency medical care if the bleeding is uncontrollable, the wound is deep, or signs of infection develop, such as redness, swelling, or warmth. Bites to the face, hands, or feet, a fever, or uncertainty about the dog’s rabies vaccination status also require urgent attention.

Dog Bite Aftermath

After a dog bite, make sure to track everything: time and location of the incident, a description of the dog, and circumstances that caused the accident. If possible, confirm the dog’s vaccination history and ownership status to assess rabies risk, by calmly cooperating with the offender’s owner. In cases where this information isn’t available, see a doctor immediately and notify local authorities if an aggressive, potentially sick dog does not have an owner. Most importantly, since more than half of reported dog bite cases involve family members, neighbors, and their pets, it is crucial to prevent emotions from interfering with the swift resolution of a dangerous and potentially fatal situation.

Legal Considerations After a Dog Bite

Nearly half of all dog bites involve a pet owned by the victim’s family or a neighbor, and children make up a significant portion of these cases. While certain dog breeds are often labeled as more aggressive, any dog may bite if it feels scared, threatened, or provoked.

Victims may have legal options to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress, making it important to document the incident and consult legal professionals if needed. In such turbulent situations, it’s common to feel uncertain about how to seek proper help. Platforms like ConsumerShield offer valuable assistance by connecting distressed individuals with experienced attorneys.

Taking Legal Action after a Dog Bite

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite and are considering a civil lawsuit, it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Start tracking everything after the incident, do not give in to emotions, and make sure to record the time, date, and location of the bite, as well as the dog owner’s contact information. 

Take clear photos of your injuries and the scene, and write down any details that could be useful for future proceedings. It’s also critical to seek medical attention within 24-48 hours and keep a detailed record of all treatments and expenses—this documentation will be key for your case.

Before moving forward, take time to understand your rights after being bitten by a dog, including who may be liable and what compensation you may be entitled to under Michigan law.

Lastly, consult an injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. They will help you gather all the necessary paperwork: police reports, medical records, and witness statements, before filing a formal complaint. While many dog bite cases are settled before going to trial through insurance negotiations, it’s important to understand that dog bite settlements can range anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000, depending on the case.

Key Takeaways for Dog Owners and Victims

Dog ownership in the U.S. comes with financial risks. Insurance claims are typically provided through homeowners insurance, though policy limits vary by state and provider. If multiple victims are involved, they must share the policy limits, making adequate coverage essential for dog owners.

Beyond financial consequences, dog owners who fail to properly manage their pets face increasing levels of accountability. First-time offenses may result in misdemeanor charges, while more severe injuries or repeat violations can lead to felony charges, mandatory rabies vaccinations, and potential penalties like license restrictions and court-ordered evaluations. In some cases, this may include restrictions on future dog ownership and mandatory training, highlighting the serious responsibilities of owning a dog.