At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we stand by the sides of victims and families after life-altering dog bite attacks in Louisville. When a child is harmed by a dog that acts in a vicious manner, you may be feeling lost and confused. Our attorneys are here to help you and your child get back on your feet. Contact us today for more information on your legal options.
Do You Need a Lawyer Following a Dog Bite Accident?
It is true that you do not have to choose to move forward with a personal injury attorney following an accident. There is no legal requirement to have an attorney by your side. However, when your child has been injured in an accident, having the help of a skilled and resourceful lawyer can ensure that your child’s rights are protected, especially if their injuries are severe.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, there are some things that we can do for you after your child has been hurt in a dog bite accident. These include the following:
- Thoroughly investigating your accident and collecting useful evidence in your claim
- Assisting you in regards to the insurance process and getting started on your case
- Negotiating with the insurers if you are unhappy with the settlement offer
- Taking legal action if your case must proceed to trial
How Does Rabies Occur in Children Due to Dog Bites?
Rabies is a zoonotic and completely preventable disease that affects a person’s nervous system. This disease is 100% fatal as soon as symptoms appear in an individual. In 99% of cases, rabies is transmitted to humans from domestic dogs, which is why dogs must be vaccinated to prevent this horrific disease from spreading across the U.S. Unfortunately, research from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that child are some of the most common victims of this disease.
Typically, humans are infected with rabies by dogs and other animals when they receive a deep bite or a scratch. It can also be transmitted if saliva from an infected dog comes into contact with a child’s wound or their eyes or mouth.
There are many symptoms that a child could exhibit if they are infected by rabies from a dog bite. These include the following:
- Headaches
- Fever and fatigue
- Discomfort at the site of the bite injury
- Restlessness/Aggression
- Foaming at the mouth
- Fear of/Rejection of water
- Weakness or paralysis
- Difficulty breathing or eating
Kentucky has laws that state a dog must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. However, it is obvious that many owners will make the decision to not vaccinate their dogs, which could lead to huge risks in a community. The moves that a parent takes after their child has been bitten by a dog with the potential to be infected by rabies is incredibly important.
Steps to Take After Your Child is Bitten by a Potentially Infected Dog in Louisville
It can be scary to witness your child being bitten by a dog, especially if the potential for the rabies infection is there. If there is a risk of contracting rabies because you cannot determine the vaccination viability of the dog, here are some steps that you should take:
- Wound Cleaning: If your child is bitten by a dog, you should always clean their bite wound with soap and water for five minutes. You can also use alcohol or an antiseptic solution to disinfect your child’s wounds.
- Medical Treatment: You should always seek immediate medical treatment for your child. Because there is no treatment for rabies once symptoms have started, doctors attempt to prevent it. If you believe your child was exposed, a doctor will give your child shots as soon as possible to prevent it from infecting your child. Prompt medical treatment is always necessary.
After your child’s health is protected, the next thing that you need to do is protect their claim. In Kentucky, a parent or guardian will have to file a claim on behalf of a child who was injured in a dog bite attack. A parent can take the following steps to protect their child’s potential legal case:
- Identify the dog’s owner if possible. This includes receiving information on their name, contact information, and information on any nearby witnesses. This information can help you assess the possibility of exposure to rabies and help you establish liability in your child’s claim.
- Notify animal control and your local police department about the bite, as well as your concern of the dog possibly having rabies. Police or animal control will look into the dog’s vaccination status after a bite.
- Document the incident with photographs of the location and the injuries your child sustained.
What Damages Are Available After a Dog Bite Incident?
Every dog bite incident is different from the next. However, dealing with a serious bite that carries the potential for rabies can be unexpected, worrisome, and also expensive. In a dog bite claim, you could be compensated for some of the following damages:
- Medical expenses related to the treatment of your child’s dog bite including medications, vaccinations, surgeries, and more
- Future treatment for ongoing medical care related to your child’s injuries
- Pain and suffering damages
- Lost income due to not being able to work in the future
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
- Wrongful death if a life is lost due to rabies caused by a dog bite
Rabies, as with many severe injuries and illnesses, can add complexities to your child’s claim that you may have never expected. Working with a team of experienced attorneys can set you on the right path toward results after your child has been hurt.
Contact a Louisville Child Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Nobody ever wants their child to be hurt in an accident. However, this is a reality for many children every year in Louisville and surrounding areas due to unexpected but preventable dog bite attacks. These accidents can pose many challenges and we believe that a dog owner should be held accountable for the harm that their dog caused your child. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we are here for you every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free and confidential case consultation.
