Accidents that involve kids can happen any time of year, but when the weather gets warm, and people and their pets are out to play, child dog bite accidents become increasingly more common. Believe it or not, there are many factors that go into causing dog bites accidents and injuries, and it is important for all parents to know these causes, which include:
Your child approaching a dog they do not know.
Your child staring down a dog as if in a staring contest.
Your child panicking around dogs or acting visibly afraid of them.
Your child taunting a dog by poking it, throwing things at it, or yelling at it.
Your child running past or away from a dog, even if it is just in play.
Your child interrupting a dog that is taking care of its young, sleeping, or eating.
There are also instances where a dog may attack your child without direct provocation, and it is important to know how to handle aggressive animals to prevent serious injuries.
How to Prevent Serious Injuries in a Child Dog Bite Accident
According to the American Humane Association, nearly 50 percent of dog bites involve children under the age of 12, and child dog bite accidents are no different. Reports indicate that more than 70 percent of fatal dog attack incidents also involved children under the age of 10. In order to protect your child, you should follow these simple dog safety tips:
Never leave small children alone with dogs, especially strange dogs.
Teach your children to stay away from dogs they do not know.
Teach your children to be calm around dogs, so that they will not panic.
Teach your child never to taunt, tease, poke, or have staring contests with dogs.
Ensure that dogs are allowed personal space where humans cannot bother them, especially during mealtime.
When Your Child is Hurt in a Child Dog Bite Accident
If your child is the victim of a dog bite, you will require help from a skilled dog attack attorney. The Husband and Wife Law Team understand the law and know how to apply it to win your case. We would help your family recover damages for medical services, recovery time for the family and the victim, parents’ lost wages, and other losses suffered. For help with your child’s recovery after a dog bite injury, reach out for assistance from attorneys Mark and Alexis Breyer.