Infection Rates For Child Dog Bite Injuries

It is not surprising that so many dog bite injuries become infected at some point after the initial trauma, considering the bacteria, germs, and other contaminants in the animal’s mouth. However, you might not realize how children are uniquely affected by post-dog bite infections. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the infection rate of dog bites in children is 20 percent. Due to their height and proximity to the canine’s mouth, injuries to the face, neck, head, and fingers are often the ones that become infected.

Obviously, this information means parents must get proper medical care for child dog bite injuries right away, even for those that seem minor. After your child’s health is secure, contact an Atlanta child dog bite injuries lawyer to discuss legal remedies. Some additional information is also useful as guidance, particularly if you note any symptoms of infected wounds.

Signs of Infection in Children: It can be challenging for younger children to communicate what they are going through, so parents should be on the lookout for the symptoms of infection after a dog bite. Head to the ER, an urgent care facility, or your pediatrician if you observe the following:

• Redness, swelling, and excessive warmth around the affected area;
• Blisters, draining pus, or open wounds;
• Fever;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Red streaks leading away from the bite area;
• Continued crying; and,
• Muscle pain and joint discomfort.

Settling Child Dog Bite Claims: There are multiple theories of liability that may apply to these cases, including Georgia’s dog bite statute and negligence by the owner. However, instead of going to court like you might expect, many of these claims settle. When the victim is a child, there are certain points for parents to note:

If the amount is $25,000 or less, you do not need court approval to settle on your child’s behalf.

When the settlement exceeds $25,000, your child will need a conservator appointed to manage the negotiations process.

Benefits of Settling a Child’s Dog Bite Case: Reduced legal costs and faster time to payment are among the first advantages you will learn, but there are many others. Settlement is certainty, whereas there are risks when going to trial. The jury might not side with your position, or might think your child was to blame. Jurors might believe a delay in getting medical care was the reason the infection developed.

Another benefit is personal to your child, who might be overwhelmed and intimidated by going to court. Settlement is a way to avoid an experience that could add to the trauma of dog bite injuries.

Get Legal Help from a Georgia Child Dog Bite Injuries Attorney

There are many additional factors that may affect your legal options when a child is the victim of a dog bite, so it is wise to trust an experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer for assistance. Our team at Zagoria Law focuses on these cases, so please contact us to learn more about your rights. You can schedule a free case assessment by calling 404.653.0023 or visiting us online.

Source:

publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article-abstract/39/10/490/35084/Human-and-Animal-Bites?redirectedFrom=fulltext