Protecting Your Children – What to Do If Your Child Is Bitten by a Dog

It is every parent’s nightmare. One moment your child is happily playing in the park, visiting a friend’s home, or walking down the street, and the next they are in pain, frightened, and bleeding, bitten by a dog you assumed was safe. Dog attacks on children are more common than many realise, and the consequences can be both physically and emotionally devastating.

At Ison Harrison Solicitors, we have helped many families navigate the distressing aftermath of such incidents. Our experience has taught us that the right legal support, delivered with compassion and clarity, can make all the difference, not just in securing compensation, but in helping families begin to recover.

Why Are Children at Greater Risk?

Children often approach dogs with innocent enthusiasm, unaware of the subtle signals that might indicate fear or aggression. They may get too close, reach suddenly, or try to play without realising the risk. For some dogs, this is enough to provoke a defensive response.

Because of their height and size, children are more likely to be bitten on the face, neck, or hands, areas that are particularly vulnerable and often lead to serious injury. These incidents may occur in seemingly safe and familiar settings:

• A neighbour’s garden during a barbecue
• A walk through a public park
• A playdate at a friend’s house

The shock is often immediate and profound. The physical injury might heal, but the emotional impact, for both child and parent, can linger.

What You Should Do Immediately

In the critical moments after a dog bite, it’s vital to act swiftly, but also to think ahead.

1. Seek Medical Help: Always prioritise your child’s health. Even a small wound can lead to serious infection. If the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or on the face or neck, go straight to A&E.
2. Report the Attack: Contact the police and your local council. This serves not only to protect other children in the future but also strengthens the legal position should you decide to pursue a claim.
3. Record the Details:
   • Take clear photographs of the injury, the location, and, if safe to do so, the dog.
   • Write down exactly what happened while it is still fresh in your mind.
   • Get the name and address of the dog’s owner, as well as any witnesses who saw the attack.
4. Keep Everything: Medical records, appointment letters, prescriptions, even text messages with the dog owner, these can all form part of a strong compensation claim.

Can You Make a Legal Claim?

Yes. In many cases, parents can pursue compensation on behalf of their child. Under the Animals Act 1971, dog owners can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, especially where the dog was known to have aggressive tendencies, or where the owner failed to control it properly.

A successful claim may recover costs for:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Counselling or psychological support
• Travel costs
• Time off work taken by a parent to care for the injured child

At Ison Harrison, we handle these claims on a no win, no fee basis, so there is no financial risk in seeking legal advice.

Why Families Choose Ison Harrison

We know that this is more than just a claim—it is your child’s recovery, your family’s peace of mind, and your pursuit of justice. Our approach is rooted in compassion, professionalism, and results.

Every child deserves to feel safe, and every parent deserves to know that when something goes wrong, help is available.

Talk to Us Today

If your child has been bitten by a dog, don’t delay. The earlier you seek legal advice, the stronger your position may be and the sooner you can begin to secure the support your family needs.

Call us today on 0113 224 7851 or email [email protected].
Book a free callback with one of our specialist solicitors at a time that suits you.

We’re here to listen, advise, and help you take the first step towards recovery.