Dog Bites and Children

Most victims of dog bites who require medical attention are children. Usually, more than half of all dog attacks occur in the child's home or in a familiar place. Unfortunately, most children receive dog bites on their faces. However, in severe cases, these dog bites can be fatal.

Dog Bite Preventions

In order to prevent a child from being bitten by a dog, they must be taught some simple safety tips. The safety tips include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Do not go near an unfamiliar dog.
• Never run away from a dog.
• If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand your ground.
• If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball with your arms protecting your face and head.
• Avoid looking a dog directly in the eyes.
• Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or has puppies.
• Always let a dog see and sniff you before petting it.

The occurrence of dog bites can be minimized if the following tips are adhered to:

• Consult with a veterinarian or breeder to figure out which dog breeds would best fit your family.
• Do not adopt a dog who has a history of aggressive behavior.
• Be sure to spend time around a dog before adopting or buying.

Once you bring the new dog home be sure to:

• Spay or neuter your dog as this can reduce aggressive behavior.
• Never leave a child alone with the dog.
• Make sure to train and socialize your dog.
• Seek advice from a veterinarian or breeder immediately if the dog develops aggressive behaviors.

Claims Involving Minor Children

When a minor (someone under 18 years of age) has a personal injury claim, in many cases, there is an extra set of procedures that apply to protect the interests of the minor. Specifically, the minor, usually through their attorney, will petition the probate court for approval of the minor settlement. This includes the amount of the settlement, the medical expenses to be paid from the settlement, the attorney's fees and costs, and the net settlement for the minor claimant. A more detailed explanation of this process is explained on our Minor Child Injury Pages.

Contact Us

If your child has been bitten by a dog, please contact our attorneys for a free, personal, and confidential consultation. You can contact the Law Offices of Michael Cordova at 602-265-6700.

Our attorneys not only work on dog bite cases but in other Personal Injury areas, as well as Motor Vehicle Accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, product and premises liability, and criminal defense and DUI, so please contact your local Phoenix attorneys for a free consultation.

*Contingent fees are charged on total recovery. **No Fee Guarantee applies in the event there is no recovery.