What to Do if a Dog Bites Your Child

Few experiences unsettle parents more than learning your child got bit by a dog. The physical wounds are painful enough, but scarring – both literal and emotional – can last for years. 

If a dog bites your child, you must protect your child’s health, preserve critical evidence, and understand the strict dog bite laws that govern compensation. 

In this article, we explain exactly what to do if a dog bites your child, how dog bite claims process works, and when to call a Utah dog bite attorney. 

Craig Swapp & Associates, seasoned dog bite injury attorneys in Salt Lake City, prepared this resource so parents can act decisively after an attack while safeguarding their child’s legal rights.

Statistics of Dog Bites Involving Children

Dog bites are not rare childhood mishaps; they are a national public health concern:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an average of 43 deaths a year nationwide from dog attacks between 2011 and 2021. 
• Children under 14 make up as much as 42 % of all bite victims, and kids 5–9 are 2.7 times more likely to be bitten than seniors. 
• Emergency rooms treat roughly 370,000 annually for dog bite injuries, and toddlers are disproportionately struck in the head and neck, increasing the risk of disfigurement. 
• The Insurance Information Institute notes that dog bite claims jumped nearly 19 % in 2024 –  22,654 nationwide, with average payouts rising to $69,272. 

Put plainly, every time a dog attacks a child, the family faces a unique blend of emergency care, plastic-surgery follow-ups, therapy, and potential lifelong scarring – medical, emotional, and financial.

Reasons Why Dogs Bite Children

According to veterinary behaviorists, most dog bites follow predictable triggers:

• Fear or Startle Reactions: Kids dart, squeal, and wave toys – behaviors that can overwhelm a dog’s flight-or-fight threshold.
• Resource Guarding: A child reaching for a food bowl, bone, or favored squeaky toy may activate the dog’s instinct to protect property.
• Territorial Instinct: Dogs defend beds, crates, and even laps when they perceive an approaching child as a threat.
• Pain or Illness: Hip dysplasia, ear infections, and neurological disorders can turn gentle pets irritable.
• Lack of Socialization: Dogs never desensitized to rambunctious kids may misinterpret a hug as restraint.

Parents who teach children to “ask to pet,” “stand like a tree,” and “leave eating dogs alone” can curb risk, but once a bite occurs, Utah law steps in to assign liability.

Top Dog Breeds Linked to Attacks

A handful of large, powerful breeds account for a disproportionate share of the most serious maulings. 

These include: 

• Pitbulls
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• American Bulldog
• Wolfdog
• African Wild Dog
• Kangal
• English Mastiff

While any dog can bite under the wrong circumstances, empirical fatality data show that pit-bull-type dogs, Rottweilers, and a small group of other large-guardian breeds account for the majority of life-threatening or lethal attacks in the U.S.

What to Do if a Dog Bites Your Child

When a dog bites your child, every moment matters.

Here are the prompt steps you should take for any future claims: 

• Secure Medical Treatment: Deep punctures invite bacterial infections; facial wounds require plastic-surgery assessment. A clean medical timeline anchors any future dog bite claims.

• Dial Animal Control or Police: Officers prepare an official bite report, photograph the animal, confirm rabies vaccination, and enforce the ten-day quarantine. The report becomes Exhibit A in settlement talks.

• Capture the Scene: Wide-angle and close-up photos of injuries, blood-stained clothing, torn toys, and the dog’s enclosure tell an objective story later.

• Collect Witness Statements: Secure names, numbers, and quick voice-memo summaries while memories remain sharp.

• Request Vaccination and Licensing Records: Proof of rabies shots calms medical fears, but also shows whether the owner was following local ordinances.

• Preserve Evidence: Store ripped clothing and dog toys in paper (not plastic) bags to prevent mildew and odor degradation.

• Start an Injury Journal: Record daily pain levels, nightmares, canceled sports, and missed school.

• Refuse Early Insurer Interviews: Adjusters frame provocative questions – “Did your child pull the dog’s tail?” – aimed at cutting liability. Instead, direct all communication to a Salt Lake City dog bite injury attorney.

• Schedule Follow-up Care: Bites often worsen on day three. Surgical debridement, rabies prophylaxis, and tetanus boosters may become necessary.

• Seek Psychological Support: Pediatric PTSD rates after animal attacks can reach 45 percent, according to child-trauma specialists; early counseling mitigates lifelong phobias.

Meticulous attention to these steps does more than protect health – it locks down undeniable evidence that forces insurers to negotiate fair settlements.

Utah Dog Bite Laws 

Under Utah Code § 18-1-1, a dog owner “is liable for an injury caused by the dog, regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious propensity.”

To collect damages, a plaintiff must show only three facts:

• Ownership or Keeping: Anyone exercising custody (roommates, pet sitters, even a friend walking the dog) falls under the statute.
• Causation: The dog’s act (bite, knockdown, claw) must be a substantial cause of injury.
• Injury: Physical wounds, psychological trauma, or property damage qualify.

There is no “one-bite” forgiveness; the very first nip triggers liability.

Although § 18-1-1 is silent on provocation, defendants invoke Utah’s general modified comparative-fault rule. A dog bite victim’s “fault” usually means teasing, hitting, or intentionally invading a restrained dog’s space. 

Most dog bite injury suits must be filed within 4 years of the incident. Because Utah “tolls” limitations for minors, a child technically has until legal age, yet waiting invites evidence loss: eyewitnesses relocate, and wounds heal. Savvy parents open a claim quickly and let their Utah dog bite attorney preserve evidence while medical treatment continues.

Liability in Your Child’s Dog Bite Injury

When you bring a dog bite claim on behalf of a minor, the first legal task is to identify every source of money capable of covering past and future dog bite injuries. Utah’s strict-liability statute is mercifully clear about who is responsible, but experience shows that a single policy’s limits (often $100,000) barely dent the lifetime cost of surgeries, scar revision, and psychological care.

Aside from dog owners, other parties may also share liability in dog bite cases involving children. 

• Landlord: A landlord who knew of a vicious animal but failed to enforce lease restrictions or remove the dog, faces negligence claims.
• Homeowners’ Association: HOAs that ignore leash rules, breed-neutral “dangerous dog” bylaws, or common-area fencing issues can share fault.
• Homeowners’ or Renters’ Insurer: Most policies provide $100,000 – $300,000 in dog-bite coverage for bodily injury. 

A meticulous liability map ensures that no viable policy, or negligent actor, escapes scrutiny. By the time settlement talks begin, your Salt Lake City dog bite injury attorney should have a claims chart that shows how each layer of insurance will contribute until your child’s full medical, psychological, and educational needs are funded.

Legal Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Parents can pursue various types of damages on behalf of their injured child, including:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital fees, surgeries, emergency care, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Future Medical Care: Estimated costs for reconstructive procedures, psychological counseling, or specialized therapies.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress your child endures.
• Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement: Awards for lasting aesthetic or functional damage.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the child’s ability to engage in normal activities is impaired.
• Lost Wages: For parents who must take time off work to care for the injured child.

Insurance companies typically set initial offers below fair value. A skilled Utah dog bite attorney can demand full compensation by leveraging medical records, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of dog bite laws.

Fatalities in Dog Bite Cases

Fatal outcomes from dog attacks are uncommon but profoundly tragic when they occur. Each year, a small number of severe bites lead to life-threatening injuries or death – often sparking calls for accountability and changes to public safety measures.

Circumstances leading to death include: 

• Deep puncture wounds can rapidly cause blood loss, nerve damage, or infections. In remote areas or when help is postponed, injuries may become untreatable.
• Attacks aimed at the face or throat can sever major blood vessels, damage the airway, or cause traumatic brain injuries. Fatalities in children often result from bites to the head, where even small dogs can apply critical force.
• Some dogs may continue to bite despite cries for help, leading to extensive tissue destruction. Victims might be unable to escape or defend themselves, particularly if the attack happens indoors or off-leash.
• Victims with clotting disorders, immunodeficiencies, or heart conditions face elevated risk of life-threatening complications from blood loss, infection, or shock.

When a life is lost after a dog attack, pursuing a wrongful death claim can bring financial relief and accountability for those left behind. If you’ve lost a loved one in such a tragedy, skilled legal guidance is essential to navigate strict deadlines and complex liability issues.

Should You File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

Most dog bite claims settle once strict liability becomes clear. 

Litigation is prudent when:

• The carrier disputes liability by alleging provocation.
• Multiple insurers argue over whose policy applies.
• The adjuster undervalues cosmetic surgery or therapy.
• The statute of limitations nears and settlement talks stall.

Filing a lawsuit formalizes discovery, allowing access to official veterinary records, bite history, and expert evaluations. It also signals to insurers that you’re prepared to litigate, often resulting in higher settlement proposals.

How to Sue for Your Child’s Dog Bite Injury

Filing a dog bite lawsuit on behalf of your child involves a series of carefully timed steps, from gathering evidence to presenting your case in court. 

• Document the Incident and Injuries: Thorough documentation establishes the severity of the bite and the owner’s responsibility. Keeping detailed notes of what happened, when, and who was involved will support your legal arguments.

• Identify the Responsible Parties: Under strict liability statutes in many states, the dog’s owner is automatically responsible if their animal inflicts injury. However, additional parties could share liability. Determining all potentially liable individuals ensures you pursue every available source of compensation.

• Know the Applicable Deadlines: Every jurisdiction sets a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit.

• Prepare and File the Complaint: Filing a lawsuit formally begins with the complaint, a document that outlines your child’s injuries and the legal basis for recovery. Submit the complaint to the appropriate civil court and pay any filing fees. The court clerk will assign a case number and schedule initial deadlines.

• Engage in the Discovery Process:  Discovery is the formal exchange of information between parties. Careful discovery uncovers evidence that supports your claim and reveals weaknesses in the defense.

• Evaluate Settlement Opportunities: Most dog bite suits resolve before trial through negotiation or mediation. Your goal is to secure a fair settlement that covers past and future costs without the unpredictability of a jury verdict.

• Prepare for Trial: If negotiations stall, your case proceeds to trial. A favorable verdict entitles your child to the full measure of damages proven at trial.

By following the steps above – compiling evidence, filing the complaint, and negotiating strategically – you improve the likelihood of obtaining full compensation for your child’s physical and emotional healing. Reach out to an experienced dog bite attorney in your area to discuss your legal options and ensure your child’s future is secure.

How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

Bringing dog bite claims on behalf of your child involves several complex steps. 

A seasoned dog bite injury attorney in Salt Lake City can:

• Evaluate your Case: Assess liability, potential damages, and best legal strategies under Utah law.
• Handle Insurance Negotiations: Communicate with insurers to secure fair compensation without exposing yourself to harmful tactics.
• Gather Evidence: Collect photographs, medical records, witness statements, and expert reports to establish the full extent of injuries.
• File Paperwork and Meet Deadlines: Ensure all documents comply with court rules and that you file within the statute of limitations.
• Represent You in Court: Present compelling arguments before a judge or jury if negotiations fail.
• Coordinate Experts: Retain medical specialists, psychologists, and reconstructive surgeons to testify on your child’s behalf.
• Maximize Recovery: Pursue all available damages for medical care, emotional trauma, and future treatment needs.

The moments after a dog attack determine both health outcomes and financial recovery. Craig Swapp & Associates, the trusted dog bite attorneys in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona – stands ready to help your family pursue full and fair compensation.

If a dog attack has disrupted your child’s world, call us today at 866-308-3626 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation, and let our proven Salt Lake City dog bite injury attorney fight for the compensation your child deserves.