What Parents in Vancouver and Across Washington Should Know After an Attack
Dog bites can be traumatic at any age. But when the victim is a child, the outcome can be far more severe, even if the bite happened in a familiar place such as a neighbor’s yard, a friend’s house, or a relative’s living room.
If you’re searching for a Vancouver dog bite lawyer after your child has been attacked, you’re probably dealing with more than just a wound. Instead, you may be dealing with the kind of injury that can potentially change how a child looks, feels, and functions for years.
Below is general information on why children are at higher risk of being bitten by a dog, what injuries tend to be most serious, and what steps parents can take to protect their child following an attack.
Why Dog Bites Tend to Be More Severe When the Victim Is a Child
Children are widely recognized as a high-risk group for dog bites. Studies show the most common age for children attacked by dogs is under 5 years old. The rate of attack for boys and girls is roughly the same, with boys being attacked slightly more frequently (52%). In nearly 90% of all attacks, the dog is known by the child.
The types of injuries children commonly suffer during an attack are also different from those of adults. Below are some insights into why this is true, followed by steps you can take as a parent to protect your child.
Children Are Smaller, So Bites Land Higher
A child’s head, face, and neck are closer to a dog’s mouth. That matters because bites to these vital areas, which are especially vulnerable in children, can be more serious than bites to other areas of the body. Common facial injuries from a dog bite may involve:
- Injuries that affect vital sensory functions (eyes, nose, lips, mouth, and ears)
- Deep lacerations and large wounds that require stitches or reconstructive surgery
- Damage to nerves, muscles, and surrounding tissue
- Significant blood loss
- Scarring that changes the child’s appearance as they continue to grow
Pediatric guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children are the most commonly injured age group and are more likely to be severely injured, particularly suffering injuries that involve the head. A large emergency department study published in JAMA also found that children treated in emergency departments were more likely than older patients to be bitten on the face, neck, and head.
Children Move in Ways Dogs Can Misread
Kids tend to run, squeal, wave their arms, and move quickly. Some dogs interpret that as unpredictable behavior or a threat, which may unintentionally trigger an attack.
Children May Not Recognize Warning Signs
Adults are more likely to notice when a dog exhibits stiff posture, hard staring, growling, lip licking, raised hackles, tail between the legs, or retreating behavior. Children may innocently fail to recognize such cues and continue approaching, hugging, or trying to pet a dog that is potentially hostile or dangerous.
The Bite Often Happens With a Dog the Child Already Knows
A difficult reality is that nearly 90% of dog attacks involving children occur in familiar settings, not random street encounters.
That’s why families often feel blindsided. They weren’t walking into a situation that felt “dangerous.” They were simply visiting friends, staying for dinner at a relative’s house, or having lunch at a neighborhood barbecue.
The Injuries That Tend to Change the Case
Some bites may heal with only minimal, routine care. Others may require weeks, months, or even years to fully heal as the child continues to grow. Injuries that can raise the stakes in a dog bite case include:
- Facial and head injuries: Dog bites that require stitches, wound care, hospitalization or surgery.
- Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into tissue, and infection risk increases with puncture wounds or delayed treatment.
- Nerve damage: A bite to the hand, arm, face, or leg can damage nerves, reducing sensation or movement.
- Psychological trauma: Nightmares, anxiety around animals, fear of walking near certain homes, and avoidance behaviors can develop after a frightening attack.
In child cases, the “real cost” is not always the ER visit. It may also include follow-up care, visible scarring, emotional fallout, disruptions to school and daily life, and other considerations that you should discuss with an experienced dog bite attorney.
What Families Often Consider Doing Right After a Bite
Every situation is different, and knowing what to do next depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the child’s injuries and circumstances of the attack. Below are some of the most common considerations made by parents after a child is bitten or attacked by a dog.
- Get medical attention promptly. If the bite is serious, call 911. Even if your child’s wounds do not appear to be serious or life-threatening, getting prompt medical care is still important due to the possibility of infection and other risks.
- Document the injuries. Photos on day one (preferably right after the injury occurred) are extremely helpful for purposes of documenting your child’s injuries. Follow-up photos throughout the healing process can also be helpful and should be taken regularly.
- Identify the dog and the owner. Get the address, owner name, and (if available) vaccination information.
- Report the bite. For purposes of documenting the injury, including the parties involved and what happened, it is important to report the attack to local animal control and, in some cases, law enforcement, depending on the severity and whether the owner is cooperative.
- Write down what happened while it’s fresh. It is important to document what occurred, including details about the attack, where it occurred, what the child was doing, whether the dog’s owner was present, names of witnesses and their contact information, etc.
Why Timing and Evidence Matter More Than People Expect
Families are often surprised by how quickly an insurance investigation starts and how quickly narratives form. Getting medical care, reporting the bite, and preserving basic facts early can prevent confusion later. Hiring an experienced dog bite attorney can help you with this process.
Washington’s Strict Liability Laws and Why Child Cases Are Different
In many but not all cases, the State of Washington allows dog bite victims to hold the dog’s owner strictly liable for any injuries and damages that result from the attack.
Even with strict liability, however, dog owners and insurance companies may still raise defenses such as trespass or provocation. When this occurs, they may try to argue the victim’s own conduct played a role in the attack. But when the victim is a child, Washington law can provide additional protection.
Under Washington law, a child under the age of 6 cannot be negligent. Children ages 6-16 can be found negligent under some circumstances, but only if they acted with less care than a “reasonably careful child of the same age, intelligence, maturity, training, and experience.” Conversely, a 17- or 18-year-old of normal capacity may be treated as an adult. Bauman v. Crawford, 104 Wn.2d 241, 244, 704 P.2d 1181 (1985); Robinson v. Lindsay, 92 Wn.2d 410, 412, 598 P.2d 392 (1979).
These details matter because they can shape how liability is evaluated after a bite, especially when an owner or insurer is trying to shift blame onto an innocent child.
When It Makes Sense to Call a Lawyer
A conversation with a lawyer can be useful when the bite is serious, when there is scarring or the risk of future procedures, when the owner disputes what happened, or when an insurer is involved and starts pushing for a quick resolution.
Attorney Colin Scott and The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, help dog bite victims and families in Vancouver and across Southwest Washington understand how Washington law applies to dog bite injuries, what information matters, and what options may be available to protect your child.
A Closing Word for Parents
When a child is bitten, it’s easy to feel torn between protecting your child and worrying about how a claim might affect a neighbor, friend, or family member. The cases we handle aren’t about taking money out of someone’s pocket. They’re about identifying available insurance coverage and making sure your child’s medical care and long-term needs are taken seriously. If your child was bitten or attacked by a dog and you would like to know what options are available moving forward, contact our office and schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer
Web content is not legal advice. Using this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship. If you have questions about a legal matter, you should consult with an attorney who is licensed to practice law in the appropriate jurisdiction and is familiar with the facts in your situation. To learn more about how The Scott Law Firm, PLLC can assist you with a personal injury related matter, contact our office today for a free consultation: (360) 718-3640.