Child Dog Bite Attorneys

Child Dog Bite Attorney – Protecting the Rights of Injured Children

Did you know that over half of all dog bite victims are children? According to the Humane Society, approximately 51% of dog bite injuries involve children, especially those between the ages of 5 and 9. If your child has suffered a dog bite, our experienced child dog bite attorneys at Heidari Law Group are here to help you seek justice and full compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can support your child’s recovery.

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Why Are Children More Vulnerable to Dog Bites?

Children are inherently curious and often unaware of the potential risks posed by animals. Their small stature and tendency to place their faces close to a dog’s face put them at higher risk for serious injuries. Dog bites are the second most common reason children visit urgent care centers in the U.S.

Because they are unable to recognize the warning signs of canine aggression, children are more likely to suffer from deep lacerations, facial injuries, nerve damage, and emotional trauma. Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment and long-term psychological care.

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Dog Bites Often Occur in the Family Home

Contrary to popular belief, most child dog bite incidents do not involve stray animals. In fact:

• 77% of child dog bites are inflicted by the family’s own dog
• 80% of bites happen in the child’s home or another familiar setting

This is especially concerning because parents may feel a false sense of security around family pets. Recent trends—including a rise in dog adoptions for home protection—have led to an increase in reported dog bites, as many new dog owners may not fully understand their pet’s behavior or socialization needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I file a legal claim if my child was bitten by our family’s dog?
A: Yes. Even if the dog belongs to you or another household member, you may be entitled to compensation through homeowners’ insurance policies. A qualified attorney can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Q: What kind of compensation is available for child dog bite injuries?
A: You may recover damages for medical bills, reconstructive surgery, emotional distress, future therapy, and lost quality of life. Each case is unique and should be evaluated by a legal professional.

Q: Why do I need a child dog bite lawyer?
A: Dog bite cases involving children are legally and emotionally complex. An experienced attorney will investigate the incident, prove liability, handle insurance negotiations, and advocate for the best interests of your child.

Will My Dog Accept a New Baby into the Family?

Introducing a newborn into a home with a dog can be a joyful but delicate transition. While many dogs adapt well to the presence of a baby, others may exhibit signs of stress or even aggression. Understanding the risks and preparing your pet properly can make a world of difference in ensuring a safe and peaceful home environment for your entire family.

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Why Dogs May React Aggressively to Babies

Dogs tend to display more aggressive behavior toward young children than adults. This can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Jealousy over attention shifts
• The dog’s desire to establish dominance
• Loud and unfamiliar sounds, such as crying
• Sudden, unpredictable movements made by babies or toddlers

A crying baby, for instance, may activate a dog’s prey drive. The dog may instinctively attempt to stop the sound, potentially resulting in a bite or even an attack. This isn’t necessarily due to malice, but rather a misunderstood or poorly managed behavioral trigger.

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Dogs Without Prior Exposure to Children

Dogs that have not previously lived with children may be particularly sensitive to the sudden presence of a newborn. These pets often struggle to adjust, especially if they are used to being the sole focus of attention in the household.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, it’s essential to gradually condition your dog to the idea of having a baby in the home before the child arrives. Techniques may include:

Creating boundaries and routines early on, such as not allowing the dog in the nursery

Introducing baby-like sounds (such as recordings of crying)

Carrying a lifelike baby doll to simulate everyday interactions

Understanding Strict Liability in California Dog Bite Cases

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in California, it’s crucial to understand how the state’s dog bite laws operate, particularly under the principle of strict liability. At Heidari Law Group, our experienced attorneys specialize in helping dog bite victims navigate California’s legal system to pursue the compensation they deserve.

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What Is Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases?

California follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bite injuries. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is legally responsible for damages if their dog bites someone, regardless of the owner’s intent or preventative actions.

This means:

• The owner does not need to have prior knowledge of the dog’s aggression
• The bite victim does not need to prove negligence
• The owner’s attempts to prevent the incident (e.g., using a leash, posting warning signs) do not exempt them from responsibility

In essence, if a dog bite occurs in a public place or lawfully on private property (including the owner’s property), the dog’s owner is automatically liable for the resulting injuries.

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Why You Need a California Dog Bite Attorney

Every state handles dog bite cases differently. Some use a “one bite rule,” which requires prior knowledge of a dog’s aggressive tendencies. California, however, holds owners accountable from the very first incident.

That’s why hiring a personal injury attorney with deep knowledge of California’s strict liability laws is essential. At Heidari Law Group, we have decades of experience successfully representing victims of dog attacks and helping them recover damages for:

Pain and suffering

Medical expenses

Emotional trauma

Lost wages

Reconstructive surgery

Facial Dog Bite Severity

Experiencing a dog bite can be very traumatic to a victim, especially to a child. Because children are constantly growing, their bones have not been fully hardened, and their skin may still be forming a protective barrier. Although a dog bite may seem minor to an adult, a child may face more severe injuries since their skin is still in the process of hardening. Every year, insurance companies report that millions of dollars are spent on facial reconstruction surgeries on children as a result of dog bites.

Why Do Child Dog Bites Occur?

One of the most common reasons a dog bites a child rather than an adult is that children do not understand the dog’s boundaries. Children would innocently want to play with the dog and get very close to the dog’s face and mouth. As a result, the dog would feel as if the child is intruding on their privacy. To assert their dominance, the dog would then show aggressive behavior and deter the child. The dog can show aggressive behavior in many different ways, which include kicking the child, biting the child, or pushing the child away to the floor.

Most Common Dog Breed Types

Although dog behavior depends on the dog’s personality and history, there have been some studies that have shown that specific dog breeds are involved in the majority of child dog bite cases. These dogs are known for their dominance and strength, and they often feel competition when a child enters their home. The top five dog breeds that have led to fatalities are  Pitbulls,  Rottweilers,  German Shepherds, mixed breeds, and Bulldogs.