Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Dogs are present in every community. Most dog owners are quite responsible and make sure that the dog is placed in a secure area with proper fence or enclosure. Otherwise, the dog owner has the dog on a leash and keeps the dog under control at all times. Unfortunately, many dog owners are not so responsible and allow the dog to roam free or ignore problems with inadequate fences or enclosures. When a dog roams free, dog bite incident can and do occur. An injured child is entitled to compensation for injuries caused by a dog bite. The liability for a dog bite incident will depend on the State and local dog bite and dog leash laws in effect. Here are the types of dog bite laws that may be in effect.
In Georgia and other States, children are the unfortunate victims of dog bite incidents. A dog owner’s liability for injuries caused by a dog bite are generally governed by State law. In Georgia, a dog owner may be liable for injuries caused by a dog bite if it can be shown that the dog owner failed to follow a local ordinance related to a dog leash or related law OR if the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous or vicious and the dog owner failed to protect the injured child or others from the risks and dangers associated with the dog. Over the years, Georgia law has been interpreted in various ways. Some legal scholars argue that the Georgia law favors dog owners and it is a tough burden at times to prove scienter or knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities. Because of the complexities of Georgia law on dog bite related matters, it is often helpful for a parent to consult with a Child Injury Lawyer for advice and legal representation on behalf of the injured child.
In Louisiana and other states, children are the unfortunate victims of dog bite attacks. With dog ownership comes responsibility for the control of the dog. It is important for dog owners to maintain control of a dog. Many dog bite incidents are preventable with better preventive measures put in place by the dog owner. Fencing should be secure and dog leashes should be used when dogs are off of the owner’s property.
In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a two year old boy suffered serious personal injuries when he was bit by a Pit Bull breed dog owned by a relative. It was reported that the Pit Bull breed dog grabbed the child and shook the child vigorously. The personal injuries suffered by the Wisconsin child included a laceration to the head, an injury to the eye, and an injury to the jaw. The boy had been playing with the dog and then patted the dog on the dog’s head. At that moment, the dog then grabbed the child by his head and would not release the child. The boy was later rushed to Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center. The injuries were so severe that the child was airlifted to Childen’s Hospital near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can read more about this story at 
A 4-year-old Brooklyn boy was fatally attacked by a family dog. Some believe this New York dog bite / dog attack may have been preventable. Four year old Jayelin Graham was fatally mauled by a Cane Corso Mastif. According to an article in the San Franciso Chronicle, the oversized canine allegedly “erupted in a violent rage” It is unknown what actually enraged the dog, but neighbors and others around the neighborhood stated the dog had a known reputation for being a menace. The owners of the dog disagree with their neighbors and say the dog did not have a violent nature. According to a witness, a man who attempted to save the young boy, the child had no hope once he was locked between the dog’s jaws. The man told the Daily News the dog was trained to kill. The man saw the dog violently shaking the boy by his throat. The boy’s aunt said the attack happened in a matter of seconds. As of now, no charges have been filed. For more details on this story please see 
In Waxhaw, North Carolina, a family and community are mourning the death of a 5 year old girl (Makayla Woodard) who was fatally attacked by the neighbor’s Pit Bull dog near the Downtown area. The incident happened just after 11:00 a.m. Makayla’s grandmother (Nancy Presson) tried to pry the dogs off of the 5 year old girl. Both dog bite victims were transported to Carolinas Medical Center-Union in Monroe, North Carolina. Despite efforts to save her life, Makayla died at the hospital.
An 8-year-old child was bit on the left ear and neck by a police dog after a North Carolina elementary school demonstration. The canine, Baks, was with his handler, Officer B. Hodgson, at Koontz Elementary School when the incident happened. Children were allowed to pet Baks after Hodgson and Baks completed the demonstration. Children approached and petted the dog, which was held by Hodgson on a short leash. When the last child approached the canine, the dog turned and bit the child.
Recently, in Jackson County, Michigan, a 6-year-old girl, Tyah Norris, sustained serious personal injuries to her face and skull after the child was mauled by a group of pit bulls. It was reported that one of Tyah’s tear ducts was injured and part of her skull is gone. At the hospital, Tyah’s mother stated her daughter had stitches all over her face and was still in pain. And, according to the Jackson Citizen Patriot, Tyah is in serious condition.