Young children may be at more risk for dog bite injuries

On behalf of Steven Crell of Steve Crell Law posted in Animal Bites on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.

Dogs are very popular pets in Indiana and across America. In fact, almost half of all U.S. households have a pet dog. Although canines can make great companions to humans, they are still animals with natural instincts that can sometimes be dangerous. When dogs attack the people around them, young children are the most vulnerable to serious injuries.

Children ages 6 and under may stand at eye level with dogs, and the height factor can make young children more at risk for dog bites to the head and neck. While standing above dogs and reaching down to pet them, adults are more likely to be bitten on their hands and arms. In 2014, there were 50,000 reports of dog bites involving children ages 6 and under.

The way that young children interact with dogs can also make them more likely to be bitten. Young children often hug dogs and kiss dogs on their faces to show affection. However, researchers say that many dogs do not like hugs and kisses. Children may also pull a dog’s tail or do other things that can trigger a dog’s aggressive instincts. Even if a dog is well trained and mild mannered, it is never a good idea to leave a young child alone with a dog.

If a child is bitten by a dog or another kind of domesticated animal, the child’s parents or legal guardians could file a personal injury complaint against the animal owner. Even if a child tried to hug a person’s animal before they were attacked, a bite could still be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.