Dog Bite Dangers: What To Do if Your Child Is Attacked By a Dog

Dogs are often considered man’s best friend, but unfortunately, not all dogs are equally friendly, and dog bite incidents can happen. When it comes to children, dog bites can be particularly alarming and potentially dangerous. You should speak with a skilled dog bite attorney in Mobile, AL immediately to file a claim and obtain maximum compensation for your child’s injury and suffering.

Dangers of Dog Bites in Mobile, AL

Dog bites are common, and they can lead to a range of injuries and complications, especially when children are involved:

• Physical Injuries: Dog bites can cause physical injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, and bruises. These injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the size and aggressiveness of the dog.
• Infections: Dog saliva can contain harmful bacteria, including the bacteria responsible for infections like Pasteurella and Staphylococcus. These infections can develop if the wound is not promptly cleaned and treated.
• Rabies: While rare in many areas due to vaccination programs, rabies is a severe concern associated with dog bites. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected dog.
• Emotional Trauma: Dog attacks can be emotionally traumatic, especially for children. The fear and anxiety resulting from a dog bite incident can have long-lasting psychological effects.
• Scarring: Serious dog bites can result in scarring, which may require medical interventions, including plastic surgery.

What to Do If Your Child is Attacked by a Dog

If your child is attacked by a dog, taking immediate and appropriate action is important:

• Seek Medical Attention: The first priority is to attend to your child’s injuries. Clean the wound with soap and water and apply an antiseptic if available. Then, seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor bites, as infections can develop. Don’t forget to obtain a medical report.
• Contact Animal Control: You may want to report the incident to your local animal control agency. This is important for public safety, as it can help identify potentially dangerous dogs and prevent further incidents.
• Collect Information: You should collect information about the dog and its owner, if possible. This includes the dog’s breed, color, and any identifying features, as well as the owner’s name and contact information.
• Document the Incident: Take photos of your child’s injuries, any damage to clothing or belongings, and the location where the incident occurred. This documentation can be valuable if you need to file a claim.
• Consult an Attorney: Depending on the circumstances of the dog bite, you may want to consult a Mobile, AL personal injury attorney. An attorney can advise you on legal options, including filing a claim against the dog owner for medical expenses and damages.

Legal Implications of Dog Bites in Mobile, AL

In Alabama, dog bite liability is governed by a combination of common law principles and statutory law. Alabama Code Title 3, Chapter 1, Section 3-1-1 specifies that a dog owner or keeper may be held liable for injuries caused by their dog if the owner had knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities or if the dog had a known propensity to attack or bite.

If an owner or keeper of a dog is found to be liable under this statute, they may be responsible for compensating the victim for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the dog bite. You should consult with an attorney experienced in Alabama dog bite cases to understand and pursue your rights.

Types of Evidence Our Dog Bite Attorney Will Collect to Prove Negligence

• Medical Records: Medical records are essential for demonstrating the severity of the injuries and the treatment required. They can also establish a direct link between the dog bite and the resulting medical expenses.
• Eyewitness Statements: Statements from witnesses who observed the dog attack can provide valuable insight into the circumstances of the incident and the behavior of the dog.
• Dog Owner’s Statements: If the dog owner or keeper admitted to knowing about the dog’s aggressive tendencies or prior incidents, their statements can be important evidence of negligence.
• Animal Control Reports: Reports from animal control agencies may contain information about previous incidents involving the dog and any actions taken by authorities regarding the dog’s behavior.
• Veterinarian Records: Records related to the dog’s medical history and any previous aggressive behavior noted by a veterinarian can be important in establishing prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.
• Leash and Restraint Evidence: Evidence related to whether the dog was on a leash or properly restrained at the time of the attack can be significant in demonstrating negligence. If local leash laws were violated, it may further support the claim.
• Prior Incidents: Documentation of any prior incidents or complaints involving the same dog and its aggressive behavior is strong evidence of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.
• Property and Insurance Records: Records showing ownership of the property where the dog was kept and the owner’s insurance coverage may be relevant to pursuing a claim.

Choose a Seasoned Mobile, AL Dog Bite Attorney to Protect Your Rights

When your child is bitten by a dog, it can be a distressing and life-altering experience. In such challenging times, having a reputable attorney by your side is not just a convenience but a necessity. A skilled dog bite attorney in Mobile, AL will know the laws that apply to your case. They will help you gather vital evidence, including medical records, photographs, and witness statements, to build a solid claim for damages.

Top attorneys possess the negotiation skills to deal with insurance companies and secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses. If negotiations don’t yield a just outcome, your dog bite lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.