Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys, APC helps people after a dog bite in Echo Park. There’s no easy way to prepare for a dog bite injury–especially when it’s your child. In a neighborhood like Echo Park, where families and pets often share the same sidewalks and green spaces, these types of situations can happen without warning. And when they do, the emotional toll can be just as deep as the physical injury. We offer free consultations and real answers, so reach out today.
Will Talking to a Lawyer Help After My Child is Bitten by a Dog?
Even though children can’t file a dog bite injury claim on their own, they still have the same rights under California law. As a parent or guardian, it’s up to you to step in on their behalf. You don’t need a lawyer to do that–but depending on how severe the injuries are or how the dog owner is responding, getting legal support can make a real difference. Here’s how we help families in Echo Park:
- We start by listening—then we dig into what happened and who’s legally responsible.
- We explain your child’s rights in plain English so you know exactly where you stand.
- We help gather the kinds of evidence that strengthen a claim–photos, medical records, witness information.
- We take over the back-and-forth with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
You’ve got enough on your plate caring for your child. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on helping them heal–physically and emotionally.
Who Has to Pay When My Child is Bitten by a Dog?
One of the first questions you probably have when your child is bitten by a dog in Echo Park is simple: who has to pay for the damage? With California law, it’s fairly straightforward because the state follows strict liability rules for dog bites. That means if a dog bites your child in Echo Park–even if it’s the first time that dog has ever shown aggression–the dog’s owner is generally on the hook legally. There are a few exceptions, but they’re rare. The most common complications involve something called comparative negligence. This might come up if:
- Your child was left unsupervised in a risky situation
- Your child was teasing or provoking the dog before the bite
Even then, it doesn’t cancel out your child’s legal rights–it just might affect the amount of financial support that’s available. These are the kinds of issues we help families sort through every day. But the reason this is important is because this gives you a roadmap for how you can get the financial support your child is going to need. To get it, though, you’re going to have to enter the legal process.
What Happens Legally After a Dog Bite Involving Your Child?
California law treats your child’s injuries after a dog bite just as seriously as it would if it happened to an adult. But the legal steps look a little different–because it’s up to you, the parent or guardian, to take action on your child’s behalf. Here’s how that usually plays out:
- Insurance claim – Most cases begin with filing an insurance claim out of court. If the dog’s owner has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you can file a claim with their company directly. It’s quicker, but because insurance companies are worried about their bottom line, they might try to lowball you.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance company doesn’t offer enough to cover your child’s care–or if the injuries are severe or long-term–you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. That can open the door to more support, including:
- Medical costs – This covers ER visits, stitches, antibiotics, plastic surgery, therapy–whatever costs associated with your child’s medical needs.
- Lost income – If you missed work to care for your child, that lost time can be part of your claim, meaning you can recover lost income.
- Property damage – This covers repair/replacement costs for anything damaged in the bite incident, like your child’s clothes, shoes, glasses, etc.
- Pain and suffering – This covers costs associated with any pain and mental anguish your child goes through relating to their injuries.
- Emotional trauma – Dog bites can leave lasting fear and anxiety, especially for kids. This covers costs associated with any long-term emotional trauma your child goes through
- Scarring or disfigurement – If the bite leaves visible marks, that impact matters.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If your child no longer feels safe going outside, playing sports, or enjoying activities they used to love, that’s part of the story too.
- Wrongful death expenses – If a child’s injuries are fatal, families may be able to recover funeral costs and other wrongful death damages.
While most personal injury claims in California need to be filed within two years, child-related cases are different. The clock doesn’t start ticking until your child turns 18. Still, it’s often best to act sooner—while the details are fresh and the evidence is easier to gather.
What Injuries Could My Child Be Facing After a Dog Bite?
A dog bite is frightening no matter who it happens to–but when it’s your child, the stakes feel even higher. Kids are smaller, more vulnerable, and often don’t have the ability to protect themselves the way you or other adults might. That means the injuries are often more serious–and more likely to affect sensitive areas. But it all depends on how and where the bite happened, which means your child could be facing:
- Bites to the face, arms, or legs – These are the most common areas. The wounds can be deep, painful, and traumatic.
- Eye injuries or lasting scarring – Facial bites in children often leave visible marks, which may require surgery or cause emotional distress.
- Infections – Dog bites can lead to serious infections if not treated promptly—especially in younger kids.
- Broken bones or nerve damage – If the dog was large or forceful, your child could suffer deeper trauma beneath the skin.
- Rare but serious illness – While uncommon, some bites can transmit rabies or other diseases if the dog wasn’t vaccinated.
The real concern is how these injuries can shape your child’s life. A serious bite might impact their ability to learn, socialize, or simply feel safe outdoors again. Many families in Echo Park face not only months of recovery–but years of emotional healing. That’s why building a strong claim matters. It’s about making sure your child has the resources they need to move forward.
What Steps Do I Need to Take After My Child is Bitten by a Dog?
After a dog bite, what you do next can have a big impact—not just on your child’s health, but also on their ability to receive meaningful support through a legal claim. Acting quickly and keeping good records makes a real difference. Here’s where to start:
- Get medical attention right away – Whether it’s urgent care, the ER, or your pediatrician, don’t wait. Fast treatment can prevent infection and helps establish a clear medical timeline.
- Find the dog and owner – Try to get the owner’s name, contact information, and–if possible–their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance details. This is critical for starting a claim.
- Report the bite – In Echo Park, this usually means contacting LAPD and LA Animal Services. Filing a report creates an official record, which helps if questions come up later.
- Document everything – Take photos of your child’s injuries, the location where the bite happened, and anything else that might be useful. If there were any witnesses, get their names and numbers too.
- Keep all related records – Hold on to every receipt, bill, email, or note tied to the incident. That includes medical expenses, therapy sessions, and even notes from school about behavior changes.
Dog bites can happen in seconds–but the impact can last for years. The good news? You don’t have to handle it all alone. We help Echo Park families get through the legal side so they can focus on helping their kids heal–step by step.
Echo Park Lawyers for Child Dog Bite Cases
A dog bite can turn an ordinary day into something your family will never forget–for all the wrong reasons. When it’s your child who’s bitten, the fear, confusion, and stress can feel overwhelming. Between doctor visits, emotional fallout, and uncertainty about what comes next, it’s hard to know where to start.
At Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys, we help Echo Park families get through these tough moments. If your child’s been bitten, we’re here to walk you through your options–starting with a free consultation.