Child Seriously Injured in Dog Attack

Dogs may be considered man’s best friend, but for one South Carolina child, a dog was anything but a friend. Tragically, the dog attacked the 11-year-old girl, leaving her traumatized and with severe head and face injuries.

The incident happened on December 17 when deputies from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident at a home on Clyburn Road.   Deputies were able to apply first aid until firefighters arrived. The girl was then taken to the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital for medical treatment.  The dog was a Cane Corso, which is a breed of mastiff.  The owner reported she had tied the dog to a porch post using a bike lock and allegedly was unaware that the dog had escaped. The owner was cited for having an animal at large.

Why Are Children Prone to Dog Attacks?

There are many reasons why children are often the victims of dog attacks:

• Unpredictable movements. Children often move unpredictably, which can startle or stress a dog. Sudden movements may trigger a defensive or predatory response.
• Lack of awareness of dog behavior. Children may not recognize warning signs of a dog’s discomfort, such as growling, baring teeth, or stiff body posture. They may also approach dogs in ways that make the animal feel threatened, like hugging or crowding their space.
• Small size. Because children are smaller than adults, they are more likely to be perceived by a dog as less dominant. They could even be considered prey.
• High-pitched voices. Children’s higher-pitched voices can excite or alarm some dogs, potentially triggering an aggressive reaction.
• Physical vulnerability. A child’s smaller body is less capable of withstanding a dog’s bite force compared to an adult, leading to more severe injuries during attacks.
• Rough handling. Children often approach dogs enthusiastically and may unintentionally invade their personal space by petting too hard, pulling ears, or hugging tightly. These are all actions that some dogs might find threatening.
• Fear or overconfidence. Some children might display fear, like running or screaming, which can trigger a chase or predatory instinct in dogs. Conversely, overly confident children might approach unfamiliar dogs without understanding boundaries.
• Unsupervised interactions. Many dog attacks occur when there is no adult supervision. Without guidance, children may unknowingly provoke a dog.

 Contact Us Today

Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience for a child.  In some instances, dog owners or others can be held liable for bites and attacks in which a child becomes injured.

Seeing your child seriously injured is every parent’s worst nightmare. A Columbia child injury lawyer from Simmons Law Firm can help you investigate the incident and determine accountability.   Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (803) 779-4600.

Source:

counton2.com/news/local-news/charleston-county-news/child-11-was-severely-injured-in-adams-run-dog-attack/