Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Dog Bite Prevention in Children
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. One in five of those bites results in injuries; 885,000 to be more exact.
Dog Bite Statistics
Children are more at risk than adults; however boys are more likely to be bitten than girls. Children ages 5 to 9 are at the highest risk of experiencing a dog bite.
Dog Choice
One way to prevent dog bites to children is to select the dog breed carefully. But bare in mind, any dog breed can bite if provoked. When choosing a dog for your home, consider the following:
- A spayed/neutered dog usually reduces aggressiveness;
- Look for non-aggressive breeds;
- Consult with a reputable veterinarian to help select the breed of dog;
- Meet with and interact with the breed variety you are considering;
- Avoid breeds known for biting children (i.e. Chihuahuas);
- Properly socialize the dog with the family once you get it;
- Train your dog so it responds to basic commands.
Dog Bites and Child Safety
Another way to prevent dog bites to children is to teach them how to interact not only with a family pet, but with a stray dog should they come in contact with one. Stray dogs are more apt to bite since they may be frightened or unfamiliar with the child.
According to the CDC, instructions should include:
- Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog;
- Don’t run from the dog or scream;
- Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog;
- Avoid direct eye contact with the dog;
- Don’t pet the dog without letting it see and sniff you first;
- Don’t play with a dog without adult supervision;
- If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and remain still;
- Don’t disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies;
- Ask the owner for permission to pet the dog;
- Pet the dog in the direction of the fur;
- Report all stray dogs to an adult.
Dog Bite Treatment
If your child has been bitten by a dog and the skin has been broken, seek medical treatment to ensure the wound is properly cared for and treated. Additionally, make sure you get the contact information of the owners of the dog.
Massachusetts Law Section 155 requires: “If any dog shall do any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or if the owner or keeper be a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, unless such damage shall have been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, is under seven years of age at the time the damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.”
FREE Consultations
As the Massachusetts Dog Bite Law sets forth, the liability in cases such as this may entitle you to compensation for your medical bills and other related expenses. It is important for you to contact an experienced Boston personal injury lawyer right away to ensure that you protect your rights.
If you or your child have been injured due to a dog bite, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Kiley Law Group.
Call 1-888-208-1695 for a Free Consultation with one of our attorneys.
