A dog bite can be a terrifying experience for anyone — but when a child is the victim, the impact is often far more severe. In Van Nuys and surrounding communities, dog bite incidents involving children are unfortunately more common than many realize. Whether it happens at a neighbor’s home, a local park, or even on a family walk, the physical and emotional damage can last a lifetime.
Children are especially vulnerable in these situations. Their smaller size makes them more likely to suffer serious injuries to the face, neck, and arms. Beyond the physical wounds — which may require stitches, surgery, or long-term care — the emotional trauma can be just as devastating. It’s not uncommon for young victims to experience nightmares, anxiety around animals, or signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long after the bite has healed.
For families, this is more than just a medical emergency. It’s a deeply emotional ordeal filled with questions about safety, liability, and how to afford the treatment your child may need — now and in the future. That’s where Tim D. Wright Law comes in.
An experienced dog bite lawyer for child injuries in Van Nuys can help you understand your legal options and pursue full compensation for your child’s injuries. California law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but navigating the system alone can be overwhelming — especially when your focus is on helping your child heal.
Under California Civil Code §3342, dog owners are held to a strict liability standard when their dog bites someone. This means that the owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog — regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before or if the owner had no prior warning that the dog could bite.
This law is particularly powerful for families with injured children because you don’t have to prove negligence. If the bite happened in a public space or on private property where the child was legally allowed to be, the dog owner is typically liable.
Children are often bitten by dogs in familiar places — such as a friend’s yard, a babysitter’s home, or within their own apartment complex. California law still applies in these situations, as long as the child was legally on the property at the time of the attack.
Even if a “Beware of Dog” sign is posted, that doesn’t automatically shield the dog owner from liability. Children may not fully understand the danger or be able to avoid an aggressive dog, and the law takes that into account.
While dog owners are usually the primary party responsible, other parties may share liability — especially when they had knowledge of a dangerous animal and failed to act. For example:
At Tim D. Wright Law, we dig deep into every case to identify all potentially liable parties. This ensures your child’s case is positioned for the maximum possible recovery — not just from the dog’s owner, but from anyone else who contributed to the incident.
Your child’s health comes first. Even if the bite seems minor, dog bites can cause serious infections, nerve damage, and long-term scarring, especially in younger children. Take your child to the emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible. A medical professional can assess the wound, prescribe antibiotics, and begin documentation that will later support your legal case.
In Van Nuys, all dog bite incidents should be reported to Los Angeles County Animal Control. This ensures the dog is evaluated for rabies or aggressive behavior and creates an official record of the incident. The report may also uncover prior attacks or complaints, which can be crucial in proving negligence or dangerous dog behavior.
You can file a report online or by calling the local animal control office. Be sure to note the date, time, location, and description of the dog.
Take clear photographs of your child’s injuries immediately after the bite — and continue documenting the healing process in the following days and weeks. If anyone witnessed the attack, ask for their names, phone numbers, and a brief statement about what they saw.
If possible, try to get a picture of the dog, note the breed, and collect information about the dog’s owner or caretaker. This information can help your attorney establish liability.
Save every document related to the incident and your child’s care, including:
These records will play a vital role in building your legal case and proving the extent of your child’s physical and emotional injuries.
Dog bite injuries often require emergency treatment, ongoing doctor visits, and sometimes hospitalization. Compensation can cover:
If a child’s injury is severe or requires long-term care, the claim can include future estimated medical costs as well.
Children who suffer bites to the face, arms, or other visible areas may need plastic or reconstructive surgery, sometimes multiple procedures over several years as their body grows. These costs can be substantial — and are often necessary for both medical and emotional recovery.
California law allows injured victims, including children, to receive compensation for physical pain caused by the injury. This includes the initial trauma as well as any ongoing discomfort during the healing process.
Children may develop long-lasting emotional injuries from a dog attack, including:
Therapy or counseling may be needed, and those costs can be included in your claim.
Scarring on the face, hands, or other visible areas can affect a child for life — not just physically but emotionally. Compensation for disfigurement considers both the immediate and long-term impact on the child’s appearance, confidence, and social development.
If your child’s injuries affect their ability to play sports, attend school confidently, or enjoy normal childhood activities, this can be factored into a “loss of enjoyment of life” claim.
Unlike adult injury claims, those involving children must take into account the long-term effects that can extend well into adulthood. This may include:
At Tim D. Wright Law, we work closely with families to understand the full impact of the injury — not just today, but years from now. We consult with medical professionals, psychologists, and life care planners to ensure your child’s future is financially protected.
A dog bite can change a child’s life in an instant — physically, emotionally, and psychologically. In the aftermath, every decision matters. Acting quickly to get proper medical care, report the incident, and seek trusted legal guidance can make the difference between a lifetime of trauma and a path toward healing and justice.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we understand how overwhelming these moments can be. That’s why we’re committed to helping Van Nuys families navigate the legal system with clarity, compassion, and strength. From day one, we focus on what matters most: your child’s recovery, your peace of mind, and holding negligent parties accountable.
Personal Injury Office:
📍 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
✉️ Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: https://www.timwrightlaw.com
