Dog bite incidents involving children can be devastating experiences for families. When your child becomes a dog bite victim the incident can be that much more traumatizing. Understanding your rights and that of your child can significantly impact both their physical recovery and your family’s financial protection.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
With the majority of dog bites affecting children aged five years and younger, the moments following a dog bite are critical for your child’s safety and your legal case. Taking the right action immediately can prevent complications and strengthen any potential claim. Essential immediate actions after a dog bite are:
- Remove your child from danger and ensure the dog cannot cause further harm.
- Control bleeding by applying direct pressure with clean cloth or bandage.
- Take photographs of the injuries, torn clothing, and the incident location.
- Gather contact information of any witnesses that may be present.
Seek emergency medical care immediately, even if the bite may seem minor at first. Dog mouths can have dangerous bacteria that can cause serious infections. Medical documentation also creates an official record linking the injuries to the incident, which becomes crucial evidence in legal proceedings.
Dog Bites Involving Children Require Special Attention
Children have unique vulnerabilities that can make a dog bite more serious. Children are often bitten in their face, head or neck areas, resulting in more severe injuries and permanent scarring.
Beyond physical trauma, children frequently develop lasting psychological effects including a fear of dogs, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. These emotional impacts can affect their daily activities, academic performance at school or social interactions with animals.
What Utah Law Says About Dog Bites
Utah uses a strict liability approach for dog bites. This means the owners are automatically responsible for damages regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggression. This differs from the “one bite” rules in other states.
Under Utah Code Section 18-1-1, dog owners are liable when their animal bites someone in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property. Local leash laws and ordinances can strengthen your case by establishing that the owner violated additional safety regulations.
When to Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney
While minor dog bites might be handled through insurance claims, serious incidents involving children typically require legal representation. The stakes are simply too high to navigate complex legal proceedings alone.
Contact a Salt Lake City personal injury attorney if your child’s injuries require emergency medical care, stitches, or ongoing treatment. Insurance companies often undervalue children’s claims, particularly regarding future medical needs and emotional trauma.
When dog owners deny responsibility or their insurance companies refuse reasonable settlement offers, legal action becomes necessary. A local personal injury attorney understands Utah’s specific laws and has experience with similar cases. They will accurately value your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your child receives compensation.
Moving Forward After a Dog Bite Incident
Early intervention protects both your child’s health and your family’s financial security. While no parent expects to face this situation, understanding your rights and options ensures you can focus on your child’s recovery.
