Child Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog attack can happen in seconds, but the damage it leaves behind often lasts a lifetime. Children are the most common victims of serious dog bites, and because of their small size, a bite that would leave an adult with a minor wound can leave a child with deep lacerations, nerve damage, or permanent facial scarring. If your child was bitten by a dog, a child dog bite lawyer at The Killino Firm can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation from the dog owner.

Our attorneys have spent years investigating dog attack cases involving children, and we know how to build a strong claim even when an owner insists their dog “has never done this before.” Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Are Children More Vulnerable to Dog Bites?

Children are bitten by dogs far more often than adults, and their injuries tend to be far more severe. A child’s height puts their face, neck, and head at the same level as most dogs, which is why so many child dog bite injuries involve the face. Children are also less able to read a dog’s warning signs, less likely to know how to safely approach or retreat from an animal, and physically unable to fight off or escape an attack the way an adult often can.

Most dog bites to children happen with dogs the family already knows, whether it belongs to a relative, a neighbor, or a friend. That familiarity is exactly why so many parents hesitate to pursue a claim. It is important to remember that a legal claim is against the dog owner’s insurance, not a personal attack on someone you know.

Who Is Liable When a Dog Bites a Child?

Liability for a dog bite depends on the state where the attack happened, but most states fall into one of two general categories.

Strict liability states hold a dog owner responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to think it was dangerous.
One bite rule states require the injured party to show the owner knew, or should have known, that the dog had aggressive tendencies. Evidence of a prior bite, prior aggressive behavior, or a breed with a documented history of aggression can help establish this knowledge.

In addition to the dog’s owner, a landlord, property manager, or business owner may also share liability if they knew about a dangerous dog on the property and failed to address it.

What Injuries Are Common in Child Dog Bite Cases?

Dog attacks on children frequently cause more than a simple wound. Common injuries include:

Deep puncture wounds and lacerations, often to the face, scalp, neck, or hands
Permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can affect a child for the rest of their life
Nerve and muscle damage
Crush injuries from a dog's powerful bite force
Infections, including from bacteria in a dog's mouth
Post-traumatic stress, nightmares, and a lasting fear of dogs

Because scarring can change as a child grows, it is important to have a medical and legal team that understands how to properly value the long term impact of a child’s injuries, not just the initial treatment.

What Compensation Can a Child Dog Bite Lawyer Help You Recover?

Depending on the severity of the attack, a child dog bite lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:

Emergency medical treatment, stitches, and follow up care
Reconstructive or plastic surgery, including future procedures as your child grows
Scar revision treatment
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and psychological counseling
Lost wages for a parent who had to miss work to care for the child

What Should You Do After Your Child Is Bitten by a Dog?

Get medical attention immediately. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and often need professional wound care.
Photograph the injury as soon as possible, and continue documenting it as it heals.
Get the dog owner's contact and insurance information, if possible.
Report the bite to local animal control or your local health department, since many jurisdictions require this.
Find out if the dog has bitten before by asking neighbors or checking with animal control.
Avoid speaking with the owner's insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
Contact a child dog bite lawyer to protect your child's right to compensation.

If your child was bitten by a dog, do not wait to get answers. Contact The Killino Firm today for a free consultation with a child dog bite lawyer who will investigate the attack and fight to hold the responsible party accountable.

Call (878) 888-7878 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if the dog belongs to a family member or friend?

Yes. A claim is generally filed against the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not against the person directly, so pursuing a claim does not typically come out of pocket for the owner.

What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Depending on your state’s laws, the owner may still be liable even for a dog’s first bite. This is one of the first things a child dog bite lawyer will investigate.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Deadlines vary by state, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the attack to avoid missing a filing deadline.

Will my child have to testify?

Many dog bite claims settle before trial. If your case does proceed further, your attorney will work to protect your child from unnecessary stress throughout the process.

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Testimonials

Courtney S

2 years ago

We contacted this firm when our son suffered a birth injury. They listened to our potential case and took us on. They helped us all the way through the process, always took my calls and questions. Killino is very passionate about his work and it felt like he was upset for our son like he was his own child. The paralegal, Kayla, was always on top of things and helpful. The whole firm that we worked with really did their best for us and now we have what we need to care for our son. We couldn’t be more grateful.

Reggie B

2 years ago

Jeff and his team at Killino Law Firm are truly exceptional! They took on my daughter’s challenging case when no one else would, and their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference. Thanks to their amazing work, we can now take care of our daughter for the rest of her life. Jeff handled everything with professionalism and kept us informed every step of the way. If you’re in need of a personal injury & accident lawyer, look no further—Jeff is your guy. I can’t recommend him and his exceptional team enough!

Corey E

3 years ago

The Killino firm is an excellent firm that tirelessly advocates on behalf of their clients. I’ve come across a lot of great personal injury attorneys in my time and simply put, Killino is the best.

Jeanne Y

3 years ago

Since day one I called the Killino firm, I was heard and taken care with respect. I very much thank Jeff for his proffesionalism and commitment. some days I’d email him in the middle of the night and exepct a response within an hour. They went beyond our spectactions. He did as promised. my husband and I are grateful for working with you. I’d 100% recommend this firm!!! thank you Jeff and the team

Trisha H

5 years ago

My sisters and I are so very grateful for The Killino Firm. They worked tirelessly for over three years on our case, were very attentive and kept us updated every step of the way. Aside from being gifted at what they do, Jeff and Dawn are so caring and understanding. Every single person we were in contact with from the firm was professional and kind. We will always recommend this firm! We really can’t thank them enough.

Michaelene C

6 years ago

Highly knowledgeable, listened to my concerns, gave wonderful advice and took a genuine interest in my case. Absolutely the best lawyers and firm around. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for competent lawyers to handle their case no matter how complicated.

Rhonda L

6 years ago

They helped me get through a terrible situation they were relentless for fighting on my behalf and because of there hard work my situation was resolved very favorable for me and my family I can’t thank them enough if you need help call them first you won’t be sorry

The Killino Firm Changes Lives

In the aftermath of a wrongful death or catastrophic injury, particularly those involving babies and children, victims and their families are forced into the new “normal”. Their lives are often characterized by multiple facets of struggle; physical, medical and financial. The worry and stress can be unbearable. But, that is where the Killino Firm steps in.

Life-Changing Financial Security

Time and again for over two decades Jeffrey Killino has changed the lives of his clients and their families with recoveries that will provide for all future medical care and day to day needs. The Killino Firm clients are regularly purchasing new homes and vehicles; securing much needed medical care and assistance; and sleeping better at night know there are millions of dollars to take care of them for the rest of their lives.

Ongoing Client Support and Protection

Yes, the Killino Firm regularly secures multi-million dollar settlements and/or verdicts, however, we measure our true success in terms of how we change our clients’ lives. The Killino Firm is dedicated to its clients and their plight. After the cases are over, the Killino Firm stays involved and available to it’s clients as the journey continues.

Caring for Clients and the Community

At the Killino Firm we care about our clients and we care about our community, which is why from time to time when we uncover a hazard or danger with the potential to harm others, the Killino Firm takes action to alert the public and appropriate regulatory authorities.