Dogs and kids share a special bond. Often, when they are introduced, they form deep connections with the dog, assuming the role of protector. For the millions of homes that keep dogs as pets, there are occasional incidents where a dog might bite another dog, a visitor, or even the child they are protecting.
According to the Humane Society, 51% of dog bite victims are children, with the highest rate being between 5 and 9 years old. There may be a scenario where the dog bite comes from a dog you encounter on a walk or in a park.
That incident could become actionable and require the services of a supportive Alexandria dog bite lawyer. If a dog bites your child, you and everyone in your family should know how to care for the wound.
The following steps are what you need to put into action:
Separate the Dog from the Child
If a dog bites you or your child, you need to get the child away from the dog to prevent any further bites.
If this bite takes place in a public space, try to create some distance between you and the dog.
Assess the Bite
A superficial bite is one where the skin isn’t broken. You can monitor the wound site back at home, and it is most likely not required to undergo any further treatment.
If the bite wound is bleeding or open, you need to do the following:
- Apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding
- Rinse with clean water
- Apply a bandage to prevent infection
When to Seek Medical Attention
If the wound is gaping, seek immediate medical attention. It is recommended that you take your child to an emergency room if the child who was bitten is under five years old and/or the bite took place on the face or neck. If the bite area is large or bleeding heavily, there might be a need for sedation and stitches.
You can opt for urgent care if the bite wound is minimal to moderate severity, it’s not on the face or neck, and the child is older.
Signs of Infection
If the dog bite breaks the skin, there is a risk of infection, especially within the first 48 hours. You must monitor the bite site for the following signs of infection:
- Redness that spreads around the bite
- Swelling and tenderness
- Pus or drainage
- A feeling of warmth around the bite
- Fever
It is important to note that bruising is a common occurrence after a dog bite. That bruising could be mistaken for an infection. If you notice that the bruising is bright red and warm to the touch, rather than a darker color with a purple tone, there may be an infection.
Treatment Options
After seeking care in an ER or urgent care facility, your doctor might prescribe a course of treatment that includes antibiotics or a tetanus shot. If it cannot be confirmed whether the dog is vaccinated against rabies, your child may need to undergo a series of rabies shots.
These are typically several shots, and, unfortunately, they can be painful.
The Aftermath
All dog bites are supposed to be reported to the county health department. In Alexandria, you will report the bite to the Alexandria Health Department. They will open an investigation into the incident and look into the bite history of the dog.
It is also essential to ensure that your child’s emotional well-being is taken care of as well. If the incident results in the dog being put down, you may want to avoid sharing that information with your child.
They might feel as though they are at fault and experience guilt and depression.
When To Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney
If a dog bites you or your child, you should obtain the contact information from the dog’s owner.
They should compensate you for any medical expenses and pain and suffering that your child endured.
Typically, a dog owner is covered by their homeowner’s insurance, but that doesn’t mean they won’t resist filing a claim. They might try to shift the blame from their dog to you or your child by claiming that you provoked the dog. That is when you need to consult a dog bite attorney.
Curcio Law has helped many clients who have been victims of a dog bite attack. We have successfully pursued claims by taking on insurance carriers and dog owners. Before accepting any settlement, discuss the details of what happened with our office during a free consultation.
