How Often Are Children Injured by Dog Bites?

 Posted on August 23, 2023 in Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs are often seen as lovable and friendly animals, but they still have the potential to cause serious injuries. Unfortunately, children are more likely to be injured in dog attacks due to their small size and their lack of knowledge about how to interact safely with dogs. Each year, more than 800,000 people experience dog bites that are serious enough to require medical attention, and more than half of these victims are children. A personal injury attorney can help families understand how to respond in these situations. Some injuries that children often suffer in dog attacks include:

Bite Wounds

When a dog bites a child, its sharp teeth can puncture the skin and cause damage on the surface and in the tissues below. Bite wounds can range from minor scratches to severe lacerations that may require medical attention. They may include:

• Puncture wounds: These occur when a dog's teeth pierce through the skin without tearing it. These wounds can increase the risk of infections such as tetanus.

• Lacerations: Deep cuts or tears in the skin can be caused by a dog’s teeth. Severe lacerations may require stitches or even reconstructive surgery. They also carry a higher risk of infection and scarring.

• Abrasions: Scrapes or scratches can occur when a dog's teeth graze the surface of the skin. While these wounds may not be as severe as puncture wounds or lacerations, they still require proper cleaning to prevent infections.

Soft Tissue Injuries

The forceful impact of a bite or attack by a dog can lead to injuries such as:

• Bruises: Blood vessels beneath the skin can rupture due to trauma. A child who is attacked by a dog may suffer bruises on their face, limbs, or torso.

• Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons: Bites from dogs can cause a great deal of damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons in children's bodies. These injuries often require surgery and ongoing physical therapy or other types of treatment.

Facial Injuries

More than 60 percent of children who are injured by dog bites suffer injuries to the head and neck. Facial injuries that can occur in dog attacks include:

• Cuts and lacerations: Dogs have sharp teeth that can easily slice through delicate facial tissues. Depending on the location and severity of these injuries, scarring or disfigurement may occur.

• Eye injuries: Dog bites can cause damage to the eyes, including corneal abrasions, puncture wounds, and even permanent vision loss.

• Nasal fractures: The force applied during a dog attack can result in fractures of the nasal bones. These injuries require evaluation by a medical professional to determine the extent of damage and whether surgery will be needed.

Psychological Trauma

Dog attacks can have a serious emotional impact on a child. Kids who are involved in these types of traumatic incidents may suffer from psychological distress, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Children who have been attacked by dogs may develop symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, or avoidance behaviors related to dogs or similar situations. Professional counseling and support are crucial for their recovery.

• Anxiety and phobias: Young victims of dog attacks often develop an intense fear of dogs or animals in general. This fear can impact their daily lives and their interactions with pets owned by friends or family members.

Contact Our Kane County Child Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

If your child has suffered any type of injury after being bitten or attacked by a dog, it is essential to consult with an experienced Will County dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC, we can guide you through filing a claim against the responsible party, and we will work to ensure that your family will receive appropriate compensation for your child’s physical and psychological damages. Contact us today at 630-552-6860 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://care.choc.org/dog-bite-study-shows-youngest-kids-most-at-risk-which-breeds-inflict-the-most-severe-injuries/

https://wjps.bmj.com/content/5/2/e000281

https://www.chp.edu/injury-prevention/safety/home-and-yard/dog-bites/aftermath