Why Do Dogs Attack Children?

Children’s small size, unpredictable movements, and lack of understanding of animal behavior make them more vulnerable to dog attacks. However, if a dog attacks your child, it’s possible to hold owners accountable for harm caused by their pets under Colorado law, including suing the owner for damages. In this case, Boesen Law’s attorneys are ready to help: we can outline your available legal options and fight for your right to fair compensation.

Understanding Why Dogs Attack Children

Dog attacks on children often stem from behavioral and situational factors, including:

Misinterpretation of Behavior

Dogs can misinterpret a child’s actions as a threat or activate their prey drive. For example, a child’s erratic movements, loud noises, or high-pitched screams might provoke an instinctive response. 

Additionally, children may unintentionally provoke dogs by pulling their tails, hugging too tightly, or invading their space.

Protective Instincts

Dogs are territorial animals, and certain situations may cause them to act aggressively to protect their perceived domain. This includes guarding their food, toys, or resting areas. Maternal instincts can also prompt aggression if a dog feels her puppies are in danger.

Lack of Socialization

Dogs that aren’t properly socialized may struggle to behave appropriately around children. They might feel threatened or confused by a child’s energy, leading to defensive or aggressive behavior.

Fear and Anxiety

Fear is a common trigger for aggression in dogs. Loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar environments can frighten a dog, causing them to lash out in self-defense. Children’s unpredictable behavior often exacerbates these feelings of anxiety in dogs.

While any dog can bite, it’s especially important to be aware of the most dangerous dog breeds, which can inflict more severe injuries due to their size and strength. Parents should remain vigilant and prioritize safety when children interact with pets.

How Common Are Dog Attacks on Children?

Dog attacks on children are alarmingly common in the United States. Approximately 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year, with children accounting for about half of these incidents. In fact, nearly 2 million children experience dog bites annually.

Children aged 5 to 9 are at the highest risk, often due to their unpredictable movements and high energy levels. Their tendency to hug, pull, or approach unfamiliar dogs can lead to misinterpretations by the animal, increasing the likelihood of an attack. 

A dog bite can result in severe physical injuries and long-term emotional trauma, making it essential for parents to educate children about safe behavior around dogs. However, if an accident happens, you can pursue legal action to recover compensation and cover the costs of your child’s injuries and other losses.

What to Do If a Dog Attacks a Child

If a dog attacks your child, take the following steps to protect their safety and preserve evidence for potential legal claims:

1. Remove the child from harm and secure the dog if possible: Ensure the child is no longer at risk and the dog cannot cause further injury.
2. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries: Even if the injuries seem minor, seeking medical care reduces the risk of infections and documents any wound, which is crucial evidence for a legal claim.
3. Report the attack to local animal control and law enforcement: File reports to initiate investigations into the dog’s history and vaccination status. This also establishes a formal record of the incident for future legal proceedings.
4. Document the incident with photos and gather witness information: Capture clear images of injuries, the dog, and the scene. Also, collect contact information from witnesses to support your claim.
5. Consult a dog bite lawyer for legal advice: Contact Boesen Law to explore your compensation options, identify liable parties, and maximize your chances of a fair settlement.

By following these steps, you’ll be laying the groundwork for a legal claim. For expert assistance, contact a dog bite attorney at Boesen Law today. We offer free in-person consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case.

Common Injuries Children Suffer in Dog Attacks

Depending on the incident’s severity, dog attacks can result in severe physical and emotional injuries for children. Common injuries include:

• Facial injuries: Bites to the face, neck, or head are common in children due to their height relative to the dog.
• Puncture wounds: Deep wounds caused by a dog’s teeth can result in serious infections, such as tetanus or rabies.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scars can affect a child’s self-esteem and require reconstructive surgery.
• Psychological trauma: Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a lasting fear of dogs are common emotional consequences of dog attacks.

Preventing Dog Attacks on Children

Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of dog attacks on children. Follow these steps to create safer interactions:

1. Teach children how to behave around dogs: Educate them about avoiding sudden movements, yelling, or approaching unfamiliar dogs.
2. Supervise interactions between children and dogs: Always monitor playtime to prevent dangerous incidents.
3. Avoid leaving children unsupervised with unfamiliar or aggressive dogs: Limit interactions to controlled settings.
4. Ensure dogs are properly trained and socialized: Expose dogs to various environments and people to build positive behavior patterns.

Legal Rights After a Dog Attack

Under Colorado’s strict liability law, dog owners are responsible for bites causing serious bodily injury or death if the victim was lawfully on the property. For less severe bites, victims must prove the owner was negligent to claim compensation (as per C.R.S. § 13-21-124).

If the dog bite didn’t cause serious bodily injury (which includes disfigurement, permanent impairment, or substantial risk of death, as defined by C.R.S. § 18-1-901), you can still seek compensation. However, in this case, you’ll have to prove the dog owner was negligent. Depending on the circumstances, you may also consider pressing charges against the owner of the dog.

When seeking compensation, you can recover the following damages:

• Medical expenses: Includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and physical therapy needed for recovery.
• Emotional distress: Compensation for the psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It also accounts for counseling or therapy sessions.
• Long-term care costs: Addresses expenses for ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, or adaptive equipment required due to permanent injuries or disabilities resulting from the attack.

At Boesen Law, we can help you build a strong, evidence-backed case that proves liability and holds the responsible parties accountable for the harm caused to your child. Explore our case results to see how we’ve helped others across Colorado recover rightful compensation and obtain justice.

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Today

With decades of experience in Colorado, Boesen Law’s attorneys are ready to help. If your child has been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to take legal action. During a free consultation, we can assess your case, outline your legal options, and explain your rights. If a dog attacks your children, call for help immediately to ensure their safety and seek appropriate legal recourse.

Plus, we operate on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case. Our team is available 24/7 to provide personalized guidance: contact us today to discuss your case with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.