A 6-year-old Atlantic County boy was bitten on his face and the underside of his chin by a family friend’s French bulldog. The bite left a 4cm permanent scar.
He was taken for emergency care, where the wounds were cleaned to reduce the risk of infection and the lacerations were sutured closed. Dog bite wounds carry a high risk of infection because of the bacteria in a dog’s mouth, so careful cleaning comes first. After the stitches came out, his doctors continued to monitor the scars as they healed, which is standard for facial wounds on children. A child’s scar keeps changing as the skin matures and the face grows.
Why Small Facial Scars on Children Carry Real Value in New Jersey
A Scar That Grows with the Child
On an adult, a small healed laceration may change very little. On a 6-year-old, the scar is stretched and reshaped as his face grows through childhood and adolescence.
A scar on the underside of the chin can widen and become more noticeable, and it may need revision surgery years later, once his growth is complete. A plastic surgeon’s opinion on future care and the permanence of the scar puts that long-term picture in front of the insurance company. See how the location of a facial dog bite affects treatment and case value.
Lifelong Impact on a Young Victim
A child bitten at six will live with the scar for decades: through school photos, adolescence, and adulthood. New Jersey law lets the family recover for the physical scarring and also for the emotional effects that often follow a frightening attack on a young child. Under New Jersey’s dog bite statute, N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, the owner is strictly liable for the bite, so the claim can focus on the full value of the injury rather than on proving fault.
Securing a Significant Settlement
David negotiated a highly favorable resolution of $125,000. In New Jersey, any settlement for a child must be approved by a judge at a “friendly hearing” under Court Rule 4:44. The court confirms the settlement is fair and protects the child’s money until he turns 18, usually by depositing it with the County Surrogate.
Why This Case Matters to Your Dog Bite Case
- Small wounds can mean large settlements: A minor-looking laceration on a child’s face can carry significant value because the scar is permanent and visible.
- Expert proof makes the difference: A plastic surgeon’s evaluation documents why the scar matters and what future care it may need.
- Your child’s money is protected: New Jersey courts review and approve every child’s settlement and safeguard the funds until the child reaches adulthood.
Schedule Your Free Dog Bite Case Review
If a dog bit your child’s face, don’t let an insurance company dismiss the injury as just a few stitches. David J. Cowhey has secured significant settlements for New Jersey children with facial scars, and he handles every child’s case personally. You can also learn more about child dog bite claims in New Jersey or compare Dave’s other child dog bite settlements.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and depends on its own facts.
Injured in a Dog Attack in New Jersey?
If your child has been bitten or injured in any way by a dog in New Jersey, call David J. Cowhey today for a free consultation.
