Child Dog Bite Injuries and Legal Options Under Alaska Law

Child Dog Bite Injuries and Legal Options Under Alaska Law

There is a special relationship between dogs and kids, who are naturally drawn to these furry, friendly creatures that love to play. Their close bond does put children at higher risk of harm, and statistics on dog bite injuries to children point out the disturbing truth. Around 51% of all dog bite victims are children aged 17 years and younger, with most attacks affecting children aged 5 to 9 years old. As compared to adults, younger victims are more likely to need medical care, and severe injuries are more common.

Like other U.S. states, Alaska does have a dog bite law that protects victims. As parents, you may qualify to recover compensation for medical costs, your own lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is encouraging that you have legal options for dog bites, especially when you know the specific types of trauma that affect young victims. An Anchorage child injuries attorney can assist with remedies, and some background is informative.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries to Children

Due to their stature, many kids fall at around the same height as a dog’s mouth. Plus, children love getting up close and personal with their canine friends while also tending to make quick, abrupt movements. Their interaction can make some dogs feel threatened. With younger victims, some of the most common dog bite injuries include:

• Facial Injuries: When the animal snaps at a child, the eyes, mouth, lips, and nose are closest to its teeth. Trauma to facial skin can lead to significant scarring, and loss of facial features can cause horrific disfigurement.
• Head and Neck Trauma: Besides the face, an animal can also tear off ears and scalp when biting a child. A dog might even grab a smaller child by the neck, possibly causing life-threatening injuries.
• Hands and Feet: The extremities are also frequent targets of dog bites, and a child’s hand and fingers are most at risk.

 

Overview of Alaska’s Dog Bite Law 

The state follows what is known as the “one-bite” rule because of how liability works. The owner can be held accountable for a dog bite if that person knew or should have known that the animal has dangerous propensities. The most effective way to prove dangerous propensities is past attacks by the dog, hence the one-bite law.

Note that it is a defense to dog bite liability if the victim was trespassing when attacked. A dog’s owner may also contest the claim on the grounds that the victim provoked the canine, thus leading it to bite. These defenses typically apply to adults, but an insurance company may try to use them to defeat a child’s claim as well.

Consult with an Alaska Child Injury Lawyer About Your Rights

Though it is helpful to review information about Alaska’s dog bite law, there are additional considerations to know when the victim is a child. To learn more about them, please contact Power & Power Law. You can set up a free case review by calling our Anchorage, AK, offices at 907-222-9990 or checking us out online.