According to a Humane Society study, around 51% of all dog bite victims are children. Another study from the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh revealed that an estimated 26% of children bitten by dogs require hospitalization.
Why Do Dogs Attack and Bite Children?
Dogs attack and bite children for a plurality of reasons. Some will attack and bite if children approach them aggressively. Dogs that are anxious, in pain, or suffering from health problems, such as liver and kidney disease, eye problems, and rabies, are also prone to bite children. Some dogs are territorial and will attack and bite children they believe are invading their space or trying to take away their food or toys, especially German Shepherds, Pit Bull Terriers, and Rottweilers.
Who Is at Fault When a Dog Bites a Child?
If a family dog bites a child, aside from making sure the child receives medical attention if needed and maybe giving the dog up for adoption if it is deemed too dangerous, there is not too much more parents can do. However, if a dog belonging to a stranger, acquaintance, or friend bites a child, parents can file a personal injury compensation claim. In many states, such as Oklahoma, dog owners are held to “strict liability”. This means they will be held responsible unless the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog, although these exceptions generally do not apply when the victim is a child.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Anyone who is a dog bite victim, including children, can potentially receive compensation for various damages. Those damages can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and disfigurement. While we are on the topic, it is worth noting that most dog bite cases get settled out of court. According to an article published by Forbes, the average settlement amount in dog bite cases is $64,555.
Dog Bites and Children: How Parents Can Prevent Them
One of the best things parents can do to minimize the chances of a dog in the home attacking and biting their child is to ensure the dog is well-trained. That means teaching the dog to recognize and obey basic commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” “no,” and “come.” Warning children not to hit the dog or squeeze its tail can help lower their chances of being attacked and bitten. Keeping the dog in your home healthy can also reduce the risk of dog bites. That means ensuring your dog is up to date on rabies and other vaccinations, has access to plenty of fresh water, and receives a nutritious diet. Studies show dogs in good health are less likely to attack and bite people than dogs that are not. As far as protecting children against stray dogs and dogs belonging to strangers, parents should advise their children of the following:
- Avoid making eye contact with a strange dog since doing so can make it feel threatened.
- Curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck if knocked to the ground by a dog to protect your face.
- Do not invade a dog’s territory.
- Do not run away if a dog is trying to sniff you.
- Do not scream or yell if you are afraid of a dog.
- Never disturb a dog caring for puppies, sleeping, or eating.
In summary, children are at greater risk of being bitten by dogs than adults. Prioritizing dog training, keeping dogs in the home healthy, and educating children about dog behavior can go a long way toward lowering a child’s chances of being bitten.
