What Should I Do If My Child Gets Bit by a Neighbor’s Dog?

It all happened so fast. One moment, your child was laughing and playing in the yard, and the next, they were pinned down by a dog, screaming.

Unfortunately, situations like this happen far more often than they should because young children don’t understand how to read a dog’s behavior or recognize danger. However, just because these attacks happen frequently does not mean they are acceptable. Illinois’ dog bite laws are strict, and you have clear legal rights in this scenario.

At Brassfield & Krueger, we have represented dog bite victims for over 75 years. We know firsthand that the actions you take right now will make a massive difference for your family. Here is exactly what you should do when a neighbor’s dog bites your child:

• Get immediate medical care for your child, even for minor wounds.
• Document everything with photos and detailed notes.
• Report the dog bite to local animal control or authorities.
• Know your legal right to file an injury claim for your child.
• Speak with a personal injury lawyer about compensation for damages like scarring and emotional trauma.

Should I Take My Child to the Doctor If They’re Bit by a Dog?

The very first thing you should do after a dog bites your child is seek immediate medical attention. Even if the wound looks minor, a bite can introduce dangerous bacteria deep into the tissue, leading to severe infections like cellulitis or tetanus. There is also a risk of rabies, a serious viral disease. A doctor can properly clean the wound, assess the need for stitches or antibiotics, and determine if a rabies vaccination is necessary, protecting your child from further physical harm.

Additionally, a visit to the doctor or an emergency room creates an official medical record of the injury. This documentation is crucial, as it provides an unbiased, professional account of the bite’s severity, which will be vital if you pursue a legal claim later.

How Do I Document a Dog Bite Injury?

After seeking medical attention for your child, your next focus should be on thoroughly documenting the incident. This information is vital for building a strong legal case. Here’s how you can effectively record the event:

• Take clear, well-lit photos of the bite wound and any surrounding injuries from various angles.
• Write down all details about the incident, including the date, time, and exact location. Be sure to get the dog owner’s name and contact information.
• Gather information from anyone who saw the attack and ask them to provide a brief statement of what they saw.

Do I Need to Report the Dog Bite to Authorities?

Once you have documented the incident, your next step is to report the dog bite to animal control or the local police. This is a crucial action for several reasons. First, it creates another official record of the attack, which can be vital for any future legal claims. Second, the authorities will investigate the incident, which includes checking the dog’s vaccination history to confirm it’s up to date on its rabies shots and other immunizations. This helps protect your child from potential diseases. Finally, reporting the bite contributes to public safety by documenting the dog’s aggressive behavior, which can help prevent similar tragedies from happening to other children.

Can I File a Dog Bite Claim for My Child?

Once your child has received medical care and you’ve documented the incident, you can start thinking about filing an injury claim on behalf of your child. While minors technically have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a claim, it is almost always better to act much sooner. Filing a claim promptly can help you secure the financial resources needed to cover your child’s immediate and ongoing medical expenses.

Any compensation awarded is typically placed into a protected account, which keeps the funds secure for your child’s future until they reach adulthood.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Seek for My Child After a Dog Bite?

If you are considering filing a dog bite claim for your child, it is crucial to contact a dog bite attorney immediately. An attorney can assess the specifics of your case and determine the appropriate compensation to pursue for your child.

Under Illinois’s strict liability laws, several forms of compensation may be available, including:

• Current and Future Medical Expenses: This covers all medical bills related to the injury, from the initial emergency room visit to ongoing treatments such as physical therapy and future surgeries.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensates your child for the physical pain and emotional distress they have endured as a result of the attack.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Dog bites can be psychologically traumatizing for children, leading to long-term anxiety, fear, and other symptoms of PTSD that may require professional counseling.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation can be sought for visible scars or other forms of disfigurement. As a child grows, scarring can worsen and may require multiple revision surgeries, making it essential to account for these future needs.
• Loss of Quality of Life: This addresses how the injury has impacted your child’s ability to enjoy daily activities and live their life as they did before the incident.

Calculating compensation for children is often more complex than for adults. Unlike with adults, it can be difficult to predict how an injury will affect a growing child. Working with a knowledgeable attorney is the best way to protect your child’s long-term recovery.

Protecting Your Child Starts With What You Do Now

Watching your child get attacked by a dog is a heartbreaking and terrifying experience. It’s easy to get caught up in your emotions, but it is crucial to take decisive action. By seeking immediate medical care, documenting the incident, and reporting the attack, you are taking the necessary steps to safeguard your child’s physical and emotional well-being.

If a dog has bitten your child and you need guidance on how to proceed, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Brassfield & Krueger are here to help. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with us today.