Statistics show that more than half of the children below the age of 12 have been bitten by a dog. Dog bites are the main cause of child emergency room visits more than any other youth activity. Most of these dog bites require stitches and in severe cases, plastic surgery. Toddlers and infants make up the largest proportion of children bitten by dogs and receive care at trauma centers every year in the United States. If you live in the New Bedford area and your child got bitten by a dog don’t hesitate to contact a New Bedford dog bite lawyer to help you with your case. Dog bites can be traumatizing and some dog bite victims require years of psychological support.

What steps should you take when a dog bites your child?

The first step should be rescuing your child from the dog and going to a safe place.

Call 911

Inform the dispatcher that your child has been attacked by a dog and request emergency medical services. If the child’s injuries are not severe you should still consider taking them to the hospital for immediate medical evaluation. Ignoring a dog bite attack simply because the wounds are minor can lead to various diseases such as rabies or infections.

Locate the dog owner

You should notify the dog owner of the attack and inform them that your child sustained a serious injury that requires urgent medical treatment. Ask the dog owner for the contact information of the homeowner’s insurance company their name, address, and phone number. 

File a complaint with animal control

Filing a complaint with the animal control department ensures the city takes the right measures to quarantine the dog and protect the public from further attacks. This ensures that when you decide to pursue a dog bite claim against the dog owner, your report will help to verify the circumstances, time, and date of the dog bites. 

Collect evidence of the dog attack

Having evidence to show proof of a dog attack can have a huge impact on the success of your dog bite claim. Evidence such as bloodied and tattered clothing and the injuries your child suffered could go a long way to help you claim. Put the tattered clothes in a plastic bag and don’t wash them. If it’s possible, take a picture of the dog and the dog owner’s fence.

Good samaritans can also be used as witnesses in your dog bite claim and their statements are taken very seriously by jurors and insurance companies. Get the contact information of every person who witnessed the dog attack your child. 

Hire a new Bedford Dog Bite Lawyer to handle your claim

Insurance companies are notorious for denying claims and offering lowball compensation to claimants who do not have lawyers. Settling a dog bite claim involving a child is complicated and requires court approval. The long-term effects of a dog attacking a child can be detrimental. The emotional and physical scars can last a lifetime. Hiring an experienced dog bites injury lawyer in New Bedford is the best way to ensure your child gets compensated the amount they deserve for their pain and suffering.

• Which Factors Affect Your Pain and Suffering Claim?

Once a dog bite lawyer files a lawsuit on your behalf, the insurance company will start taking your claim seriously. Consulting a lawyer is free and you can consult as many as you want until you find the right one for your case. Keep in mind that pursuing a dog bite claim on your own can be costly. For instance, you will need to pay for depositions, actuarial studies, and medical testimonies. However, when you hire a lawyer they will cover these expenses to win your child’s case. Additionally, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they will only get paid when they win your case.

We are happy to help

At Kevin P Landry Law Offices, our New Bedford dog bite lawyers have the knowledge and tools to handle your case. There are several factors that you might overlook if you attempt to self-represent. For instance, you might not be able to uncover financial sources from multiple lines of insurance hidden in the dog owner’s assets. We are available 24/7 and we can evaluate your case free of charge. To schedule your free initial consultation call us at 508-999-0800 today.