LA Century Law represents families of child victims of dog bites in San Bernardino. If a dog bites your child, get immediate medical attention and then contact our experienced San Bernardino dog bite attorneys. We’re available 24/7 and are taking new cases now.
Dog Bites of a Child
The California Department of Public Health reports that children under 10 years old are the largest age group visiting emergency departments for dog bites. Dog bites of kids are more common than those of adults.
A dog bit my child! What should I do?
If a dog bites your child, you should:
- Secure the child’s safety, preventing additional harm.
- Seek medical care for your child, as appropriate.
- Preserve evidence relating to what occurred.
- Report the dog bite to animal control.
- Contact a lawyer to talk about your child’s rights and options.
Your child may qualify to receive monetary compensation. Contact our lawyers for a consultation about your case.
Immediate Medical Steps To Take After a Dog Bite
When a dog bites a child, separate the child from the dog and ensure the child is safe from additional harm.
If the bite appears serious, call emergency responders, go to the emergency room, or seek urgent care, as appropriate. Seek immediate medical care when a bite is deep, painful, bleeding significantly, or impairs body function.
Appropriate first aid depends on the severity of the bite. When the bite is deep, apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding and seek immediate medical attention. For minor injuries, wash the area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic and a clean dressing.
Understanding California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
California’s strict liability dog bite law applies to dog bites of kids. In San Bernardino and throughout California, dog owners are liable for bites that occur in public and private places. The dog doesn’t have to have a bite history.
In addition to California’s strict liability dog bite law, a claim may be based on negligence.
Why Children Face Higher Risks in Dog Attacks
Children face higher risks in dog attacks because:
- Their bodies are smaller. It doesn’t take as much force to harm a child as it does an adult.
- Children may not appreciate the dangers of a dog and may approach an unfamiliar dog without caution.
- The child, or a regular caregiver, may not be in control of the dog, so the child may not recognize abnormal or menacing behavior.
- Unpredictable actions, such as a child making noises or moving suddenly, may startle a dog.
- A dog may bite at the child’s head and neck because of the child’s height.
Children face a greater risk of head and neck injuries from dog bites, contributing to higher medical costs and mortality rates in child victims.
How To Document the Bite for a Strong Legal Claim
To document a child’s dog bite for a strong legal claim:
- Take photos and videos of the dog, the place where the bite occurred, and injuries.
- Obtain witness names, contact information, and statements.
- Make notes of what people, including the owner if present, said at the scene.
- Seek timely medical attention for your child.
- Follow medical care instructions.
- Get the dog’s vaccination and license information, if available.
- Report the bite to animal control.
- Journal your child’s recovery, including medical care, pain, activity levels, and emotions.
- Keep records of medical expenses, incidental costs, lost household income, and other financial impacts.
A lawyer can help you investigate prior reports regarding the dog. Remember that children are often unable to articulate pain and other impacts, so detailed records may be particularly important.
Reporting a Dog Bite in San Bernardino
You must report a dog bite to animal control in the location where it occurs.
San Bernardino County
In San Bernardino County, you may report an animal bite in several ways:
Phone: (800) 472-5609
Fax: San Bernardino County Bite Report Form, fax to: (909) 501-0684
San Bernardino County Animal Bites Information
After a bite, the dog must be quarantined for 10 days. Quarantine may occur at the animal shelter or at home if authorities are satisfied it will be done correctly.
City of San Bernardino
If an animal bites a human, it must be reported to San Bernardino Animal Control (§ 6.08.160). You may call (909) 998-4000 to report.
City of San Bernardino Animal Bites Information
Who is required to report a dog bite in the City of San Bernardino, CA?
In San Bernardino, any person who knows of a dog biting a human must report it to the Animal Control Division.
Who Is Liable When a Dog Bites a Child?
When a dog bites a child, the dog owner is often responsible. Others, such as someone caring for the dog or a landlord who failed to protect others from a dangerous dog, can also be responsible. At LA Century Law, our dog bite lawyers review all options for who may be liable.
Does the provocation defense apply when a California dog bite victim is a child?
Although California has strict liability for dog bites, provocation is a defense. That is, a dog bite victim may receive less compensation, or no compensation at all, if they are responsible for provoking a dog to bite.
While provocation can be a dog bite claim defense in California, it’s harder to apply the defense when the victim is a child, especially a young child. Children are less likely to appreciate dangers and know how to approach a dog safely.
Compensation Available for Child Dog Bite Injuries
Compensation available for a child’s dog bite injury may cover medical expenses, household income loss, incidental costs of care, and other direct financial losses. A child may also receive compensation for physical pain, disfigurement, scars, and emotional anguish. They may also claim for future losses and suffering.
Because child victims are young and injuries are often life-changing, compensation in child dog bite claims can be significant. We can give you a personalized evaluation of what your child’s case may be worth.
How a San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help Your Family
At LA Century Law, we help families obtain compensation when a dog bites their child. We are a full-service law firm, handling claims in San Bernardino and the surrounding areas. Our lawyers build evidence, provide legal strategy and advice, and pursue all aspects of a claim. Call or message us now.
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