If your child is attacked and bitten by a dog:

1. Get your child to a safe place
2. Administer dog bite treatment. Wash out the wound with soap and water. Seek medical attention if the wound is serious
3. Contact local animal control agency or police department to report the incident
4. Contact the owner of the animal (if known)
5. Contact an experienced child injury attorney

If your or your child is bitten, dog bite treatment should consist of:

• Washing the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water
• Applying an antibiotic cream or ointment
• If pain, swelling, or redness persists, seek medical attention as your dog bite wound may be infected
• Seek medical attention if the dog bite is deep or bleeding significantly
• Try to confirm if the dog has its rabies vaccine, and seek medical attention if you are unsure or concerned about the potential of rabies.

Although dogs bite people of every age and gender, children between the ages of 5 and 9 have the highest rate of dog-bite injuries. In addition, children are also more likely to require dog bite treatment for injuries resulting from dog bites.

In younger children, dog bites also occur in more serious areas, including the head, neck, and face. As children grow older, dog bites more commonly occur in the extremities, such as the hands and fingers.

In many instances, dog bites occur in your backyard — literally. The majority of dog attacks (61 percent) happen at home or a familiar place. Also, 75 percent of dog bites come from dogs that belong to a friend or family member of the victim.

A child injury case may be brought when an individual under the age of 18 is injured due to the fault of another person or organization. Examples of a child injury case include car wreck or semi-truck accidents, dog bites, daycare or caretaker abuse/negligence, birth injuries, burns, choking, drowning, or any other personal injury. The most serious child injury cases involve permanent injury or death. A guardian, usually the child’s parent, is appointed by the court to bring a lawsuit (if necessary) on the child’s behalf.