Princeton New Jersey Child Dog Bite Lawyers
Child Dog Bite Victims
Unfortunately, children account for the majority of the victims of serious dog bites. Authorities estimate that 50 to 80 percent of fatal or serious-injury dog bites happen to children and teens. Younger children aren’t always aware of the danger of a large dog, and their small size makes them a target for the dog’s instinct to dominate smaller creatures. Kids may provoke dogs accidentally while playing or with their natural high energy, or intentionally test their boundaries. And because they’re physically closer to the dog’s teeth, children are more likely to be injured by dogs in vulnerable areas like their faces, necks and heads.
The smallest victims -- children age four and younger -- are most likely to have severe or even life-threatening injuries. A Center for Disease Control and Prevention study found that the majority (64.9%) of dog attack injuries to children age four and younger were injuries to the head and neck. Examples from that study included an 18-month-old girl who suffered a depressed skull fracture, a broken jawbone and had her ear and cheek partly torn away. Broken bones, significant tearing of tender facial flesh, blood loss and infected puncture wounds are all common injuries to children attacked by dogs. Children will likely need to be hospitalized at first, and then treated for many months. If plastic surgery is necessary, medical care may go on for years.
Because 90% of the dogs that attack are dogs known to the victim, the chances are good that a child dog bite victim was hurt by the pet of family members, friends or neighbors. This creates an awkward social situation for parents who can’t imagine suing someone they like or care about, even when the damage is severe. However, a dog bite lawsuit generally seeks money from the owners’ insurance company, not the dog owners themselves. Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies cover dog bite lawsuits. Lependorf & Silverstein will treat innocent dog owners respectfully, while working to get the money the victim needs for current and future treatments.
Lependorf & Silverstein is a New Jersey personal injury law firm with significant experience in dog bite lawsuits. We’ve successfully handled many dog bite cases, and we’re proud to say that we’ve won millions for injured clients throughout the state. As experienced personal injury attorneys, we know how to handle dog bite cases with complicated medical, insurance and personal aspects. We promise we’ll always work hard to get your child the best possible financial settlement, providing the money he or she needs for medical care, plastic surgery, therapy and compensation for pain, suffering and emotional trauma.
If you or someone you love has been seriously hurt by a dangerous dog, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free evaluation of your case.
