Summer Fun Can Lead to a Serious Dog Bite

Posted by & filed under dog bite injury.

Attorney Grant Travis | Travis Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorney, DUI Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney | Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren & all of Northwestern PA | Call the Travis Law Firm at 814-277-2222 today!

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that children are at a higher risk for dog bites than other age groups. In addition, dog bites for children can be more traumatic and cause severe injuries. Because it is summer, more children will be playing outside and in parks. Therefore, the number of dog bites could increase over the summer months. It is good to know what to do if your child is bitten by a dog and the steps you can take now to reduce the risk of a dog bite this summer.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If a dog bites your child, try to remain calm, so you do not panic your child further. For minor dog bites, wash the area with water and soap. Apply an antibiotic medication and cover the area. Watch the dog bite and surrounding skin until the bite is healed. If you notice increased swelling, pain, redness, fever, or other unexplained symptoms, go to the emergency room or doctor immediately. The dog bite could be infected and increase the risk of severe complications.

For severe dog bites or deep wounds, apply sterile gauze pads or clean clothes. Immediately go to the emergency room for treatment. Severe dog bites can cause life-threatening infections and complications if the wound is not treated quickly and correctly.

Teaching Children Dog Safety Tips

One way to decrease the risk of a dog bite this summer is to teach your children safety rules for dogs and other animals. Some of the tips offered by the CDC include:

  • Never approach a strange dog. Even a friendly animal can turn aggressively quickly.
  • Do not run. Running from the dog could result in an attack and additional bites.
  • Never bother a dog when the dog is sleeping or eating.
  • Mothers are very protective of their puppies. Do not approach a mother that is nursing or a mother or father caring for puppies.
  • Do not aggressively play with a dog.

You should never leave small children alone with a dog. Teaching your child how to approach a dog by placing his or her hand palm side down to allow the dog to sniff your hand without moving can help reduce the risk of dog bites.

Dog Bite Attorney in Erie, PA

If your child is injured in a dog bite accident in  Erie or the surrounding areas, our Erie dog bite attorney can help. In addition to seeking medical treatment, you should also consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options for holding the dog owner responsible for your child’s injury. You and your child deserve to be compensated for the physical, emotional, and financial damages caused by an Erie dog bite accident. Dog owners can be held liable if their dog causes an injury even though the dog has not been aggressive in the past.

For more information and a free legal consultation with an experienced Erie dog bite attorney, call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066. Your consultation is confidential, and you are under no obligation to retain our firm after meeting with our attorney.