From a young age, many children have an intrinsic fascination with dogs. They’re playful, soft, and can be wonderful companions. A dog is often considered an extended member of the family. So it’s natural for children to become excited when they see a dog walking down the street. Unfortunately, some dogs are not as friendly or simply don’t know how to behave around children. When dogs bite children, it can change their whole world in just a second. They can become fearful and reserved around animals, and worse, the dog bite might evolve into a serious injury.
The Dangers of a Dog Bite
Dog bites are more common than you might imagine. In fact, the Canine Journal reports that approximately 4.5 million people suffer dog bites every year. Many of these bites are serious, and if left untreated, become infected. Seeing a dog bite your child is an unimaginable experience. If you do find yourself in this situation, here are some suggestions on how to handle the aftermath of a dog bite.
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Stay Calm – This can be incredibly challenging. Your child was just bitten by a dog and you are probably both furious and terrified. Still, it is important to stay as calm as possible in front of your child. They have just experienced the trauma of a dog bite and will be looking for your reaction. Take a breath and review the situation. Then you can act accordingly.
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Gather Information – Speak to the dog’s owner. Ask for their contact information and address. If possible, ask them to provide a copy of their dog’s shot records so that you can confirm the dog’s rabies shot is up to date.
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Go to the Doctor Right Away – Even a seemingly minor dog bite can quickly become infected without warning. It is difficult to predict the severity of a dog bite just by looking at it. For this reason, it is important to take your child to the doctor as soon as possible to get medicine or treatment to help the injury heal.
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Contact an Attorney – If your child is bitten by a friend or neighbor’s dog you might feel uncomfortable speaking with an attorney. Remember that it is in your best interest and the best interest of your child to learn about all of your options. If your child is seriously injured, an attorney can help outline those options for you.
Speak with a Connecticut Dog Bite Lawyer Today
There is no way to undo the pain suffered by a dog bite, but if your child was injured it is advisable to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights. At Leighton, Katz & Drapeau, our skilled legal team understands just how devastating it can be to see your child injured. We are proud to serve those in Connecticut who need a strong legal advocate on their side. Call us today at 860-875-7000 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also contact us online.
