When a child suffers a dog bite, parents and adults in their lives can help them to recover. Dog bites and dog attacks can happen in a split second, but recovery can take much longer. Children can carry the emotional, and sometimes physical, scars for a long period of time.
The best protection for children is to prevent a dog bite from happening. Parents can teach children about what signs to watch for when a dog is showing signs of stress. Furthermore, never leave a child alone with a dog, even a reliable family pet. Any dog is capable of attacking.
If a dog has attacked a child, separate them immediately and get medical attention for the child.
First Seek Medical Attention
Dog bite injuries aren’t always easily apparent. Strains, bone injuries, or injuries to the head may not be easy to detect. A medical professional will be able to set the best course of action for the injuries and prevent infections.
If there is a possibility of scarring, especially to the face, parents may want to insist the child see a plastic surgeon or other specialists.
If the child has not received all required tetanus vaccinations, the doctor may give your child a tetanus vaccination. Deep wounds inflicted from a dog can put the child at risk for tetanus. Additionally, although rare, a rabies vaccine may also be administered.
Enlist a Therapist
Most children will suffer psychological trauma after a dog attack. A mental health professional, such as a counselor or psychiatrist, will help the child to recover. Many child dog bite victims will experience PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and may have trouble sleeping, increased anxiety, irritability, behavior problems, become withdrawn or not participate in events they used to enjoy, and experience other issues. These changes may not be present at all times but it is best to start the child working with a therapist as soon as possible.
The Child Did Nothing Wrong
Reassure the child they did nothing wrong. The attack wasn’t their fault and they aren’t “bad” or to blame for what happened. Let them know that animals sometimes behave that way. Let them talk about their feelings of the attack as often as they want to.
Take it slow
Expect that a child will be fearful after a dog attack. Reintroduce the child to dogs slowly. You may even begin with photos or videos. Once the child is comfortable, you may move on to stuffed toys and then puppies. Patience and intentional steps will help the child to develop their confidence around dogs again.
Try a Training Class
Especially if it was a family pet that attacked the child and as a family you’ve decided to keep the dog, try a dog training class. Often children are encouraged to attend as well making it a joint experience. Both dog and child will learn respectful behaviors and how to interact with each other for safe play.
Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney
To help your child with the expenses of a recovery, a dog bite lawyer can help you get compensation. Most claims in the United States involve an insurance company wishing to pay the least amount possible. A dog bite lawsuit can help a family to get the compensation they deserve for their child.
It is often a long recovery period for child victims of dog bites and compensation can help with medical bills, emotional trauma, plastic surgery, pain and suffering, future medical bills, and more. An attorney experienced with dog bite laws involving children will provide a high level of expertise to your dog bite claim.
Dog Bite Attorney to Help a Child After a Dog Bite
David J. Cowhey is experienced in dog bite cases involving children of all ages. He is able to provide a unique level of experience for dog bite claims involving children.
Speak with him today about your dog bite claim and he will let you know his thoughts on your dog bite case. He provides a free consultation to discuss your legal options. You can contact him 24/7 at 609-513-0627 and he provides dog bite legal services throughout New Jersey.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
