Every year, countless children suffer from dog bites. Children are at a higher risk of being bitten by a dog than adults. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old account for the highest rates of dog bite injuries. While many of these bites are minor and result in nothing more than a few scratches, some bites can be much more serious.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we understand the intense stress you may be feeling for your child. Even if the bite is not severe, you should consult with an attorney to find out your family’s legal options.
Our personal injury lawyers can help you seek the justice and monetary compensation your child deserves. Call us for a free consultation at 1-866-909-6894 or complete the online contact form. We are available 24/7 for you and your family.
How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help My Injured Child?
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do when your child is injured. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help. Dog bites and attacks are different from other personal injury cases. You should ensure your attorney has experience helping families of dog attack victims.
Here are some ways in which Judd Shaw Injury Law can help your family:
- We can help you seek money for your child’s medical bills, pain, suffering, and more
- We can you assist if the dog owner refuses to pay for the damages the animal caused
- Our team can investigate, gather evidence, and speak to witnesses on your behalf
- We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to seek the best possible settlement for your child’s injuries
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, our attorneys can help you understand your legal options, assisting you in deciding the best possible course of action for your child. After suffering a dog attack, your child may require ongoing medical care and treatment.
Trauma in children after a dog bite
No parents ever want to see their child hurt, let alone traumatized. But sometimes traumatic incidents happen. If your children have been attacked by a dog, it is important to know what to do next – for their physical, emotional, and mental health.
It is not just the physical injuries that can be traumatic for a child – the psychological effects of a dog attack can be long-lasting. Children who have been attacked and bitten by dogs may experience fear, anxiety, and nightmares.
Your child may have trouble sleeping or concentrating at school. And in some cases, he or she may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If your child is having trouble coping, you may want to consider talking to a therapist or counselor. Seek someone who specializes in treating children who have experienced trauma.
Judd Shaw Injury Law’s legal team can help you determine a proper settlement to cover the expenses of your child’s medical care. With time and patience, your child will heal – both physically and emotionally.
Behavioral issues in children after a dog attack
Behavioral issues in children are not uncommon after being bitten by a dog. The child may become withdrawn or even aggressive. It is important for parents to be aware of these changes in their child’s behavior and to seek help from a professional if necessary. These behavioral issues can be long-lasting and severely impact a child’s quality of life.
Some behavioral issues that have been reported in children after a dog bite include:
- Angry outbursts
- Nightmares or sleep problems
- Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Change in appetite
- Fearfulness or anxiety around dogs
- Avoidance of dogs altogether
- Aggressive behavior toward dogs
- Nightmares or flashbacks related to the attack
- Eating disorders
Eating disorders are one of the most common mental health issues faced by children and adolescents. Many teens with eating disorders can recover without any lasting effects. However, some continue to struggle with their disorders for years. For many teens, their eating disorders are triggered after a traumatic event such as a dog attack.
If you are unsure whether your child has developed an eating disorder after a dog bite attack, look for signs such as:
- Drastic weight loss
- Preoccupation with food and body image
- Self-isolation
- Changes in mood or behavior.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we have extensive experience handling dog bite cases. Contact us if your child is suffering from an eating disorder after a dog harmed him or her. Our team is ready to help your family seek the compensation your child urgently needs.
Lifelong medical issues after a dog bite
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we know it can be a scary and overwhelming experience when your child is the victim of a dog bite. Your child may suffer from physical and emotional injuries that can last a lifetime.
Some medical issues can arise in children long after a dog bite happens. A victim could develop:
- Infection: If the dog’s teeth puncture the skin, there is a risk of infection. This is especially dangerous if the dog was not up to date on its vaccinations. Infections can lead to serious health complications.
- Scarring: Dog bites can often result in scarring, particularly if the wound is deep. Scarring can be cosmetic and/or functional, depending on its location.
- Nerve damage: If the nerves in the area of the bite are damaged, a victim may have numbness, tingling, or paralysis.
Judd Shaw Injury Law Can Help Your Family After a Dog Bites Your Child
After your child has been bitten, you may be feeling a range of emotions: anger, sadness, and confusion. You may also be wondering what to do next and how you can get justice for your child. After suffering a dog attack, your child may require ongoing medical care and treatment.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we want to help. Our team can guide you through the legal process so you can focus on what is most important: taking care of your child. We can investigate what happened and gather evidence to prove that the dog owner was negligent. We may also work with medical experts to determine the extent of your child’s injuries and calculate the damages you are entitled to.
We understand the physical and emotional trauma that a dog bite can cause for both the victim and his or her family. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to get a fair settlement so that you can focus on your child’s recovery. Contact us at 1-866-909-6894 or fill in our online contact form.