What To Do If Your Child Is Bitten By A Family Dog

Quick Summary A child who has been bitten by a family dog needs immediate first aid and a medical evaluation to identify possible infection, nerve damage, or deeper tissue injuries. In New Jersey, dog owners are generally held strictly liable for bite injuries, even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before and even if the animal belongs to a relative or close family friend. Reporting the incident, preserving medical records, and consulting with healthcare professionals and, when necessary, a legal professional can help protect your child’s health and any potential compensation for treatment-related expenses.

A dog bite from a pet the child knows well, maybe even loves, can be just as frightening and painful as one from an unfamiliar animal. Knowing what to do if a family dog bites a child in the moments right after it happens can make a real difference in how quickly the wound heals and how smoothly any medical or legal follow-up goes.

Even close family dogs are still animals, and a sudden bite from one often catches parents off guard since they never expected it to happen.

Get Your Child to Safety and Address the Wound First

The first priority is creating distance between your child and the dog. Move your child to a safe area where they can calm down and receive care. Clean the bite wound carefully with soap and warm water for several minutes, then cover it with a sterile bandage or clean dressing.

Emergency medical attention is necessary if the wound is deep, bleeding significantly, located on the face, hands, or near a joint, or if there are signs of severe tissue damage. Waiting too long to seek treatment can increase the risk of complications.

Get a Full Medical Evaluation, Even for Minor Wounds

Dog bites carry a real risk of infection, and puncture wounds can look small on the surface while causing deeper tissue damage underneath. A doctor can clean the wound properly, check for the need for stitches, and confirm your child’s tetanus vaccination is current.

Ask the doctor to document the injury in detail, including photos if possible, since these records can help later if a claim needs to be filed.

Report the Bite to Local Authorities

In many New Jersey communities, dog bites must be reported to local health departments or animal control agencies, even when the dog belongs to a family member. Filing a report helps verify the dog’s vaccination records and creates an official account of the incident.

Some parents feel uncomfortable reporting a bite involving a relative’s or friend’s pet because they worry it may damage the relationship. However, reporting the incident is about protecting your child’s health and creating proper documentation, not blaming someone personally.

Understand New Jersey’s Dog Bite Liability Laws

New Jersey follows a strict liability approach for dog bite cases. This means a dog owner may be responsible for injuries even if the animal has never bitten anyone before and even if the owner did not act negligently.

The law applies regardless of the relationship between the child’s family and the dog owner. A claim involving a family member’s dog is generally handled through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, rather than requiring the individual to personally pay the damages.

Watch for Emotional Effects, Not Just Physical Ones

The effects of a dog bite can continue after the physical injury heals. Some children develop fear around dogs, including pets they previously felt comfortable with. Others may experience anxiety, nightmares, or stress when they encounter animals again.

Parents can help children process the experience by discussing their feelings, reassuring them, and watching for signs that additional emotional support may be needed. A counselor or mental health professional can help children work through lasting fear or anxiety after a traumatic event.

Considering a Claim After a Dog Bite? Corradino & Partners, LLC Is Here for Your Family

At Corradino & Partners, LLC, we know how difficult it can feel to consider a claim after a family member’s or friend’s dog bit your child.

Our dog bite lawyers in New Jersey help families understand that these claims are handled through insurance, not as a personal attack on someone you care about, and we work to recover the compensation your child needs for medical care and recovery. We have recovered over $500 million for our clients, and we take every case on a no recovery, no fee basis.

Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, and we keep families informed at every step of the process. You will have direct access to your attorney’s cell phone, and we handle all communication with the insurance company so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

If your child was bitten by a dog, even one owned by family or friends, call Corradino & Partners, LLC today for a free consultation.

FAQs

Can I file a claim if the dog that bit my child belongs to a relative?

Yes. New Jersey law allows a claim regardless of the relationship between the families, and the claim is typically paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance rather than out of pocket.

Do I need to report the bite if my child’s injury seems minor?

Yes. Most towns in New Jersey require reporting regardless of severity, and a report helps confirm the dog’s vaccination status and creates a record in case symptoms develop later.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in New Jersey?

New Jersey generally allows two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim, though the timeline can differ in certain cases involving a minor.