Why so many dog bite victims are children

Dog bites are hazardous for everyone. They are frightening and painful. They can get infected, and infections may require long-term medical care. The bites could leave you with scars, disfigurement or even a disability.

That said, the greatest risk is to children. When you look at the statistics, they are far more likely to be bitten. There are a lot of reasons for this, such as a child’s lack of awareness around a dangerous dog or the way that a child who has a pet dog may assume all dogs are friendly, leading them to approach those that aren’t in an excited manner.

Size and strength play a role

You also have to consider the role of size and strength, both of which children lack when compared to adults. This makes them more likely to be attacked, and it’s more likely that those attacks will prove fatal. Children may lack the ability to escape or protect themselves, and areas like the head and neck are much easier for dogs to reach. Attacks against adults are more likely to impact the hands, arms and legs.

That’s not to say that anyone is safe from serious injuries, but just that parents need to be aware of the elevated risks that their children face. A serious dog bite at a young age, even if not fatal, could impact the rest of the child’s life.

Can parents seek compensation?

If a child is bitten, the parents may be facing high medical bills and many other costs. The child may have injuries that won’t fully heal, such as facial scarring. It’s very important to know how to seek compensation from a negligent dog owner.