A recent study of childhood dog bite victims published by the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh found almost one-third required in-patient treatment for their bite injuries.
The Hospital’s research points out there are 2400 dog attacks in the U.S. annually. And 50% of victims in these attacks are children. The data reveals the scale of the challenge facing parents. If your child has recently been the victim of a dog bite, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll explore the support provided to parents by dog bite lawyers.
One of the most detrimental effects of dog bites is the psychological impact on your child. A change in your child’s behavior is a normal response to the trauma of a dog attack.
Recent research highlighted by Contemporary Pediatrics found most childhood dog bite victims experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Their report shows the following symptoms of PTSD are common in the weeks and months after an attack:
Your dog dog bite lawyer can help connect you with a psychologist to assess your child and help them process their thoughts and feelings in the aftermath of the attack.
Your dog bite lawyer will also play a crucial role communicating your rights under the New Jersey dog bite laws. As in most states, New Jersey’s Dog Bite Statute holds the dog’s owner fully liable for any injuries the animal causes. Under state law, bite victims can claim compensation for any injuries related to the attack. For example, if your child fell and broke their arm immediately after the dog bite, the dog’s owner can be held responsible for these injuries and their associated treatment cost.
A qualified dog bite lawyer can help hold the dog’s owner fully responsible for injuries to your child. They will examine the case in detail and review the circumstances surrounding the attack, as well the impact of the attack on your child and your family.
Your dog bite lawyer will, for example, examine the considerable financial impact of the dog attack. This impact might include:
In many cases, children must undergo extensive surgery to treat their injuries, and this treatment can be a significant expense. A dog bite lawyer will work to prove the dog’s owner is responsible for the animal’s behavior and must pay the compensation to cover the cost of your child’s surgery.
Children may require years of work alongside a skilled psychologist in order to recover from the trauma of a dog attack. Your lawyer can help you recover compensation that covers the total costs of these therapy appointments and ensure your child gets the mental health support they need over the long-term.
Your dog bite lawyer offers crucial support after a dog attack. They can provide you with a direct line to answer all of your questions as you navigate the complex compensation recovery process.
This level of support can not only ensure you gain fair compensation but also provide you with peace of mind regarding your child’s future. Access to a qualified dog bite lawyer will help you stay focused on guiding your child through their recovery process with the reassurance the lawyer is expertly handling the legal case.
If your child has been the victim of a dog attack, New Jersey dog bite lawyer David J. Cowhey may be able to help you claim compensation. David has decades of experience practicing dog bite law in New Jersey. He operates offices throughout Mount Laurel, Linwood, Neptune, and Newark to better serve clients and their families across the state. To discuss your child’s dog bite case with a skilled local lawyer, call his offices today.