Children can face severe physical, emotional, and long-term scarring-related injuries after a dog attack. Parents should seek immediate medical care, report the bite to local authorities, document every injury, and get legal guidance early to protect their child’s rights. At Hakakian Law Group, our personal injury team helps families across West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Orange County navigate these challenging situations with compassion and clarity.

Dog bite injuries involving children are uniquely complex. Kids are more vulnerable to serious wounds, emotional trauma, and lasting developmental impacts. Because of this, their cases often require deeper investigation into long-term medical needs, psychological support, and future quality-of-life considerations. Understanding these issues early helps families secure the compensation needed for a child's full recovery.

Why Children Are at Higher Risk in Dog Bite Incidents

Young children are naturally curious, smaller in stature, and often less experienced at recognizing warning signs from unfamiliar dogs. As a result, the face, hands, and upper body are the most common areas injured—injuries that often require specialized follow-up care such as plastic surgery or scar-reduction procedures. Many attacks also occur at the homes of friends, neighbors, or relatives, which can make parents feel hesitant about reporting or pursuing a claim. Still, California law is clear: dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause.

California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law (Civil Code §3342)

California Civil Code §3342 holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone, including a child, whether the bite occurs in public or lawfully on private property. This means a child does not have to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent. For parents, this legal protection is critical—it ensures that medical and psychological care needs can be pursued without added legal burdens.

If you'd like to learn more, visit our page on Dog Bites for additional details about these claims.

The Types of Injuries Children Commonly Suffer in Dog Attacks

Children may sustain a wide range of injuries during a dog attack, many of which can have lifelong consequences. Common injuries include:

• Facial wounds: Lacerations, puncture wounds, and tears often require plastic surgery and can lead to permanent scars.
• Head injuries: Falls or impact during an attack can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries. Visit our Brain Injuries page for more information.
• Nerve damage: Deep bites can affect long-term mobility or sensation.
• Soft tissue injuries: Torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments may need long-term physical therapy.
• Psychological trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, nightmares, and fear of dogs are common after a bite—especially in younger children.

Long-Term Medical and Psychological Care for Children

A child’s healing needs are often more extensive than an adult’s. Because their bodies are still developing, early injuries can affect future growth or function. Many kids need follow-up treatment well into adolescence. These long-term needs often include:

• Plastic or reconstructive surgery to minimize scarring
• Ongoing wound care and infection monitoring
• Physical therapy for mobility limitations
• Trauma counseling to address emotional or psychological harm
• Pediatric medical specialists for more complex cases

Because these future needs can last for years, an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer must ensure these costs are fully evaluated and included in any settlement or claim.

How Dog Bite Injuries Can Affect a Child’s Daily Life

Dog bite injuries can disrupt a child’s life—not only physically but socially, academically, and emotionally. Parents may notice changes such as:

• Missed school days due to medical appointments or recovery
• Sleep disturbances and increased anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating or participating in normal activities
• Embarrassment or social withdrawal due to visible injuries

These disruptions can have ripple effects on a child’s confidence, development, and long‑term well‑being. A compassionate legal team can help account for these impacts when pursuing compensation.

Special Legal Considerations for Minors in California

Dog bite cases involving minors have additional rules to protect a child’s best interests. Settlements for children typically require court approval to ensure fairness and proper financial planning. Additionally, compensation may need to be held in a protected account until the child turns 18. Navigating these requirements is much easier with an attorney who regularly handles cases involving minors.

At Hakakian Law Group, we help parents understand each step, explain the options clearly, and ensure the child’s future needs stay at the center of every decision.

What Parents Should Do After a Dog Bite Incident

If your child is bitten by a dog, taking the right steps can protect both their health and their legal rights. Parents should:

• Get immediate medical care to prevent infection and evaluate internal or head injuries
• Report the bite to animal control or local authorities
• Document injuries with photos and written notes
• Collect information from the dog’s owner and any witnesses
• Seek legal guidance early to ensure long‑term needs are evaluated

How Hakakian Law Group Helps Families After a Dog Bite

Our team understands how devastating it can be when a child is hurt by a dog. As a West Hollywood personal injury law firm serving families throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, we take a compassionate and strategic approach to every case. We work to secure compensation for medical care, trauma therapy, future treatment needs, and the emotional toll the attack has taken.

You can learn more about how we support families by visiting our Dog Bite Lawyer Los Angeles resource.

FAQ

Do I need to prove the dog has bitten someone before?

No. Under California Civil Code §3342, dog owners are strictly liable even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

Can my child receive compensation for emotional trauma?

Yes. Emotional injuries—such as fear, anxiety, or PTSD—are considered part of the damages in a dog bite claim.

What if the dog belonged to a friend or neighbor?

Most claims are handled through homeowners insurance—not personal payment—so parents should not hesitate to explore their legal options.

Will my child need to appear in court?

In many cases, children do not need to appear in court. Settlements involving minors usually go through a simple approval process designed to protect their interests.

How long do we have to file a claim?

California law typically allows two years to file a personal injury claim, but cases involving minors have special timelines. It’s best to speak with an attorney as early as possible.

If your child has suffered a dog bite injury, Hakakian Law Group is here to help your family move forward. Contact us today to request a compassionate, free consultation.