Can Children Recover More in Dog Attack Cases?
Dog attacks are traumatic experiences for anyone, but when the victim is a child, the consequences can be even more severe. Beyond the immediate pain of the injury, dog bites often leave lasting physical and emotional scars.
Throughout Georgia, the age of the victim can play a significant role in how damages are calculated in a personal injury claim. Talk to an Atlanta dog bite lawyer to learn more. Parents and guardians should understand how the law views these cases and why children may be entitled to more compensation than adults.
The Physical and Emotional Impact of Dog Bites on Kids
Children are naturally more vulnerable to serious injuries in dog attacks. Their smaller size means that bites are more likely to affect the face, head, and neck, areas that are particularly susceptible to scarring and long-term disfigurement. These injuries may require multiple surgeries, cosmetic procedures, or years of medical care.
Additionally, because children are still developing, the impact of a severe bite can interfere with normal growth and mobility. For example, nerve damage or deep tissue injuries might not fully reveal their consequences until a child matures. This possibility often increases the value of a claim, since courts and insurance companies must consider the child’s future medical needs, not just the immediate care required after the attack.
The psychological toll of a dog attack can be especially profound for children, too. Many young victims develop a lifelong fear of dogs, experience nightmares, or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can interfere with a child’s schooling, social relationships, and overall quality of life.
Because the law recognizes that mental health is just as important as physical recovery, damages in a child’s case may include compensation for long-term therapy or counseling. This is an area where children may recover more than adults, since the trauma can affect them for decades to come.
Financial Recovery and Long-Term Considerations
When assessing damages in a dog bite claim, courts and insurance adjusters look at the full picture of a victim’s life. For adults, this may include lost wages or reduced earning capacity. For children, the law accounts for how injuries might affect their future earning potential. A serious injury that limits mobility, leaves visible scarring, or results in chronic pain could impact career choices and lifetime earnings.
Damages for children may include future medical expenses, rehabilitation, and even cosmetic procedures. Since children have a longer life expectancy, the financial recovery must account for decades of potential medical needs.
Families should never underestimate the importance of legal representation. By working with a seasoned Atlanta dog bite lawyer, parents can ensure their child’s future is protected and that negligent dog owners are held accountable.
Are you struggling after a young person in your family was bitten by a neighborhood dog? Dog attacks are devastating for victims of all ages, but when children are involved, the stakes are higher. Their physical vulnerability, emotional sensitivity, and long-term needs mean that financial recovery may be greater than it would be for someone of age. Share your concerns with the attorneys at Zagoria Law. Contact us today.
