Child Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Glendale & Los Angeles
Children are the most frequent victims of dog bite attacks, and their injuries tend to be more severe than those suffered by adults. A child’s smaller stature means bites often target the face, head, and neck — areas that can produce permanent scarring and lasting psychological trauma. California’s strict liability dog bite law makes the dog’s owner responsible regardless of the animal’s prior behavior. Attorney Anand Desai has spent over 20+ years representing injury victims, including children and families devastated by dog attacks, throughout Glendale, Los Angeles, and Southern California. Call (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation.
Why Children Are Disproportionately Affected by Dog Bites
Statistics consistently show that children, particularly those between ages 5 and 9, face the highest risk of dog bite injuries. Several factors contribute:
- Eye-level contact — a child’s face is at the same height as many dogs, making facial bites far more likely
- Lack of awareness — children do not recognize warning signs like growling, bared teeth, or stiff body language
- Sudden movements — children run, scream, and make unpredictable motions that can trigger a dog’s prey instinct
- Physical vulnerability — a child’s thinner skin, developing bones, and smaller body make injuries more severe
- Approaching unfamiliar dogs — children are naturally curious and may approach dogs without caution
California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
California Civil Code Section 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bite injuries. This means:
- The owner is liable regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before
- The owner is liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous
- No “one free bite” rule exists in California
- The victim only needs to prove: (1) the defendant owned the dog, (2) the bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property, and (3) the bite caused injury
For children bitten while playing at a neighbor’s home, visiting a friend, or walking in a park, this strict liability standard makes recovery straightforward.
Child Dog Bite Injuries
Because of their size and the typical bite location, children suffer distinctly severe injuries:
- Facial lacerations and scarring — bites to cheeks, lips, nose, and ears that may require plastic surgery
- Eye injuries — bites near the eyes can damage vision permanently
- Ear avulsion — partial or complete tearing of the ear
- Skull and facial fractures — from the crushing force of large dog jaws on a child’s developing bones
- Nerve damage — facial nerve injuries causing numbness or loss of motor function
- Infection — dog mouths carry bacteria that can cause serious infections, including cellulitis and sepsis
- Psychological trauma — PTSD, severe anxiety around animals, nightmares, and behavioral changes
Long-Term Impacts on Children
Dog bite injuries affect children differently than adults because they are still growing:
- Facial scars grow and change as the child develops, potentially requiring multiple revision surgeries over the years
- Emotional trauma during formative years can affect social development, school performance, and overall well-being
- Fear of animals may persist into adulthood without proper therapy
- Visible scarring may cause bullying, social isolation, and self-esteem issues
Attorney Desai accounts for these long-term impacts when calculating damages, working with pediatric specialists, plastic surgeons, and child psychologists to project lifetime costs.
Filing a Claim for a Child’s Dog Bite Injury
When a minor is injured, special legal procedures apply:
- A parent or guardian files the claim on the child’s behalf
- Any settlement must receive court approval to protect the child’s interests
- Settlement proceeds are typically deposited into a blocked trust account until the child turns 18
- California’s statute of limitations is tolled for minors — it does not begin until age 18, giving the child until age 20 to file
Despite the extended timeline for minors, parents should act quickly. Evidence degrades, witnesses move away, and the dog’s ownership situation may change.
Compensation for Child Dog Bite Victims
Families in Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, and surrounding areas can pursue:
- Emergency medical care — stitches, surgery, and hospitalization
- Plastic surgery and scar revision — potentially multiple procedures as the child grows
- Psychological counseling and therapy
- Pain and suffering — both physical and emotional
- Parents’ lost wages for caregiving time
- Future medical and psychological treatment
Why Families Trust Anand Desai
With a 5.0-star Google rating from 114 reviews and Avvo Clients’ Choice 2025, Anand Desai brings compassion and aggressive advocacy to every child injury case. His 50+ jury trials and 13 years as an LA County Public Defender give him the courtroom credibility to ensure your child’s case is taken seriously. He works on a no win, no fee basis and speaks 11 languages. BBB A+ rated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Dog Bite Claims
Is the dog owner always liable when a child is bitten?
Under California’s strict liability statute, yes — as long as the bite occurred in a public place or while the child was lawfully on private property. The only common defense is provocation, but courts set a very high bar for what constitutes provocation by a young child.
What if the dog belongs to a family member or friend?
The claim is typically handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Filing a claim does not require suing the person directly — it is an insurance claim, and it protects your child’s right to receive proper medical care and compensation.
Can a landlord be liable if a tenant’s dog bites a child?
In some cases, yes. If the landlord knew the tenant had a dangerous dog and failed to act — for example, by enforcing a no-pets policy or requiring the tenant to restrain the dog — the landlord may share liability.
How do courts protect settlement money for children?
California requires judicial approval of all minor settlements. The judge reviews the settlement amount to ensure it is fair and orders the funds placed in a blocked trust account that cannot be accessed until the child turns 18. This protects the child’s financial interests.
Should I take my child to the doctor even if the bite seems minor?
Absolutely. Dog bites carry a significant infection risk, and puncture wounds can be deeper than they appear. Prompt medical documentation also strengthens the legal claim. Always seek medical attention after any dog bite.
Free Consultation — Protect Your Child’s Rights
Your child deserves compensation for every scar, every sleepless night, and every moment of pain. Call Anand Desai at (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation, or contact us online. No win, no fee. Available 24/7.