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Personal Injury Law: Dog Bites – Children
The youngest victims of Texas dog bite injuries are the ones who tend to suffer the most serious injuries as a result. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, almost 65% of dog bite injuries inflicted upon children aged four and younger were to their heads and necks. These types of injuries can be severe, including skull fractures, tissue damage, disfigurement to the face, permanent scarring, eye damage, broken jawbones, and other broken bones. The severity of these injuries also can result in infection, puncture wounds, and blood loss. This is significant, in that an estimated 50 to 80% of injuries nationwide involve children and teenagers. Treatment of these injuries can go on for a lengthy period of time and may involve hospitalization, follow-up treatment, and plastic surgery. As a result, child dog bite victims may wish to seek compensation from the dog owners responsible for the injuries that occurred.
Holding Texas Owners Liable for Child Dog Bite Injuries
Most children who are injured by dog bites are familiar with the dogs that bite them. This means that most of these dogs belong to family members, friends, or neighbors. For these reasons, children’s parents may be reluctant to initiate a personal injury claim against someone whom they know and to whom they are perhaps related. This creates a very awkward situation, even if the child’s injuries are very severe. Fortunately, most homeowners insurance policies cover injuries caused by dog bites, so dog owners themselves are not liable for the compensation that may be awarded to child dog bite injury victims. These victims simply may file a claim for compensation with the appropriate insurance company; since Texas law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by dog bites in most circumstances, the injury victim is likely to be able to recover damages related to his or her losses. More about our San Antonio Dog Bite Injury Attorney here
Damages for Texas Child Dog Bite Injuries
Compensation obtained in child dog bites injury cases may be used for a variety of purposes. These damages are designed to cover expenses such as: Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Permanent disfigurement and scarring
Counseling for mental distress
The amount and types of expenses covered by compensation awarded in a child dog bite case will vary according to the circumstances of each case. For more severe injuries, there are more medical expenses involved, and there may be greater compensation awarded. Likewise, with more minor injuries, there may be fewer medical expenses, and thus a smaller amount of compensation.
Consult With our Texas Child Dog Bite Attorney
Child dog bite cases can be complex, both due to the relationship between victim and dog owner, the emotional trauma of having an injured child, and the financial stress of medical expenses. When you are in this situation, you will need the advice of an experienced child dog bite lawyer for guidance. Contact our office today, and let us advice you on the next steps to take.
