Dog Bites and Children: Legal Rights for Parents
Nov. 3, 2025
Dog bites can be terrifying, especially when a child is involved. Even a seemingly minor bite can leave emotional scars, not just physical ones. It's normal to feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of a dog bite, but knowing your child’s legal rights can make a significant difference in recovering damages and preventing future incidents.
As a Seattle, WA dog bite lawyer, I help parents pursue personal injury claims and advocate for their children’s safety and well-being. Here, I’ll explain what legal avenues are available for parents whose children have experienced a dog bite, and address potential options for moving forward.
If your child has been bitten by a dog in Western Washington, including Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, or elsewhere in the Puget Sound Area, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Reach out to me at The Law Office of Dan Fiorito today to discuss your specific situation, review the options available to you, and protect your child’s rights.
Legal Rights of Parents After a Dog Bite
When a child is bitten by a dog, parents have the right to seek compensation. Personal injury law provides a mechanism for recovering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Dog bite cases are often treated under strict liability laws, meaning the dog owner can be held responsible even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. Key points for parents include:
Reporting the incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement to document the attack.
Seeking medical attention: Immediate treatment protects the child’s health and strengthens your personal injury claim.
Collecting evidence: Take photographs of injuries, gather witness statements, and record details about the dog and its owner.
Documenting medical expenses: Keep all receipts, bills, and reports related to the injury for compensation claims.
Understanding liability: The dog owner may be automatically liable, but in some cases, negligence or property owner responsibility may also apply.
By taking these steps, parents can protect their child and strengthen any personal injury claim they pursue. Acting promptly shows that the situation was handled responsibly, which can support the credibility of a claim. It also helps preserve important evidence and medical documentation that may be critical in seeking fair compensation.
Common Causes of Dog Bites
Children are more likely than adults to be bitten by dogs due to their smaller size, unpredictable movements, and natural curiosity. While many dog bites are unprovoked, there are certain situations where bites are more likely to occur. Recognizing these circumstances can help parents take precautions and understand liability. Common scenarios include:
Unsupervised interactions: Children left alone with dogs, especially unfamiliar dogs, are at higher risk of bites.
Provoking the dog: Actions such as teasing, hugging too tightly, or grabbing toys can trigger defensive behavior in dogs.
Protective instincts: Dogs may bite when guarding food, toys, or their owner.
Fearful or anxious dogs: Loud noises, sudden movements, or strangers approaching can lead a dog to lash out.
Parents should remember that even friendly dogs can bite when startled or threatened. Knowing the typical triggers for dog bites is an important first step in assessing legal claims. Children may not always recognize warning signs, which makes supervision crucial. Being aware of these signals can help parents act quickly to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.
Common Injuries From Dog Bites
The severity of a dog bite can vary widely depending on the dog’s size, strength, and the circumstances of the attack. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size, which makes injuries more serious. Understanding potential injuries can help parents seek proper medical care and gather evidence for a personal injury case. Typical injuries include:
Puncture wounds: Deep punctures can become infected if not properly treated.
Lacerations: Cuts may require stitches and leave lasting scars.
Bruising and swelling: Even minor bites can cause significant discomfort and inflammation.
Broken bones: Larger dogs or repeated attacks can fracture bones.
Emotional trauma: Children may develop fear, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress after an attack.
Prompt medical evaluation is critical, not only for recovery but also to document injuries for potential personal injury claims. Early treatment can help prevent complications like infections or long-term scarring. Detailed medical records also provide strong evidence if parents decide to pursue compensation for their child’s pain, suffering, or related expenses.
Liability in Dog Bite Cases
In Washington, dog owners can be held strictly liable for bites, meaning the owner can be responsible regardless of prior knowledge of aggressive behavior. However, liability can also depend on the circumstances, including whether the child provoked the dog or if the bite occurred on private property. Factors that can influence liability include:
Location of the bite: Injuries occurring on public property may have different rules than those on private property.
Dog’s history: Previous aggressive behavior can strengthen a personal injury claim.
Parental supervision: Whether the child was adequately supervised may be considered.
Owner negligence: Failure to restrain or control the dog can demonstrate negligence.
Provocation: Evidence of provocation may reduce or impact the compensation available.
Liability assessments can be complicated, but parents have the right to pursue claims that reflect the full impact of their child’s injuries. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help clarify who may be responsible and what damages are recoverable. Reach out to The Law Office of Dan Fiorito today for help with your case.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
After a dog bite, parents can take several steps to protect their child and support an injury claim. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in both recovery and legal outcomes. Being organized and thorough from the start can also strengthen any potential legal claim. Important actions you may need to take include:
Seek medical care immediately: Even minor bites can lead to infection or other complications.
Report the incident to authorities: Animal control and law enforcement can provide official documentation.
Take photos and notes: Document injuries, the scene, and any relevant circumstances.
Identify witnesses: Friends, neighbors, or bystanders can provide statements supporting your claim.
Preserve evidence: Keep clothing, toys, or other items involved in the bite.
Following these steps not only helps protect your child’s health but also creates a clear record that supports a personal injury claim. These steps can help parents demonstrate the severity of the injury and support claims for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Acting promptly also makes sure that personal injury claims are filed in a timely manner.
Speak With a Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorney Today
Recovering from a dog bite can be stressful, both emotionally and financially. Parents should know that they have options to pursue bite injury claims and seek compensation for their child’s pain, suffering, and medical expenses. From filing claims to negotiating settlements, my guidance is available to you every step of the way.
At The Law Office of Dan Fiorito in Seattle, I help families take the right steps after a dog bite and advocate for fair outcomes. If you’re the parent of a child who’s experienced a dog bite in Western Washington, including the Puget Sound Area, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Everett, don’t wait; reach out to me today to protect your child’s rights and start the path to recovery.