Maison Law can guide you through the legal process when your child is injured in a dog bite incident in Porterville. Any dog bite can be upsetting–but when it’s your child, the fear and frustration hit even harder. Kids are more likely to suffer serious injuries from a bite, and those injuries–both physical and emotional–can stay with them for years. We’re here to guide you through what comes next. Set up a free consultation today.

Should You Talk to a Lawyer?

Children have the same legal rights as adults when it comes to dog bites–but they can’t file a claim on their own. That responsibility falls to you, the parent or guardian. And while hiring a lawyer isn’t required, it’s often a smart move–especially if your child’s injuries are serious or the situation is complicated. If you work with our team, here’s what we’ll do:

• Take a close look at what happened and who may be responsible
• Walk you through your child’s legal rights and what your options are
• Help gather the details, photos, and documents you’ll need to support your claim
• Handle communication with the dog owner’s insurance company
  
  

Your child’s recovery is what matters most. Let us take on the legal side so you can focus on getting them the care and comfort they need.

What Kinds of Injuries Can Your Child Go Through After a Dog Bite?

Dog bites are always dangerous–but when your child is involved, the risks are even higher. Physically speaking, your child is likely going to be smaller than the dog, which opens the door for injuries to vulnerable areas like their face, neck, and hands. In many situations, these injuries can leave lasting scars or lead to long-term complications But it also depends on the circumstances–so your child may be facing:

• Wounds to the face, neck, arms, or legs, usually the most common. They can unfortunately be deep and traumatic.
• Eye injuries or permanent scarring, especially common when the bite is near their face.
• Serious infections or other diseases if not cleaned and treated right away.
• Broken bones, nerve damage, or muscle tears, especially if the dog was large or aggressive.
• In rare cases, bites can transmit rabies or other serious illnesses.
  
  

The issue with a dog bite to your child is pretty obvious: they can hinder their ability to grow, learn, and feel safe. And many families are left dealing with both the physical and emotional aftermath for years. That’s why it’s important to take every step you can to protect their future–and that starts with building a strong injury claim.

How Can You Help Strengthen Your Child’s Dog Bite Claim?

Your child has the right to recover damages after a dog bite—but getting meaningful support depends on what you do in the hours and days afterward. Here are some of the most important steps you can take:

• Get medical care as soon as possible – Whether it’s a trip to the ER, urgent care, or your child’s doctor, don’t wait. Even small bites can lead to infection. Quick treatment also creates a clear medical record of what happened. 
  
  

• Find out who owns the dog – If you can, get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. Insurance details help too. This information is key if you end up filing a claim. 
  
  

• Report the bite – In Porterville, that might mean calling the Porterville Police Department or Tulare County Animal Services. An official report helps document the incident and can support your case later on.
  
  

• Take photos and gather what you can – Take pictures of your child’s injuries and the spot where the bite happened. If anyone else saw what happened, try to get their name and contact info.
  
  

• Keep everything related to the incident – Save all medical bills, receipts, emails, and anything else that shows how the bite has affected your child–physically, emotionally, or financially.
  
  

Dog bites can’t always be predicted–especially when your child is involved. But with the right legal support, you can make sure your child gets the care and resources they need to heal and move forward. And the way that happens is by going through the legal process.

What’s the Legal Process If Your Child Is Bitten by a Dog?

When your child is bitten by a dog, the law treats it just as seriously as it would for an adult. However, the process is a bit different because, as a parent, you’ll typically take the legal steps on your behalf of your child. This might involve:

• Filing a claim through the dog owner’s insurance – This is often the first step and can resolve many cases without going to court.
  
  
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, or your child’s needs are more permanent, filing a lawsuit can help your family get more financial support like:
  
  
  • Medical bills – This includes ER visits, stitches, antibiotics, surgeries, therapy, and long-term follow-up care.
    
    
  • Lost income – If you had to miss work to care for your child, those missed wages can be included.
    
    
  • Pain and emotional suffering – This covers both physical pain and emotional trauma your child may be dealing with.
    
    
  • Scarring or disfigurement – If the bite leaves visible or permanent marks, that lasting impact matters.
    
    
  • Loss of enjoyment of life – If your child can no longer enjoy certain activities—like sports, school events, or even going outside comfortably—those losses can also be considered.
    
    
  • Wrongful death expenses – Tragically, if a bite leads to fatal injuries, you may also be able to recover funeral expenses and damages for the emotional loss of your child.

In most cases, California gives families two years to file a dog bite claim. But for children, that two-year period doesn’t begin until they turn 18, which gives you more time–but acting sooner is always better for keeping track of evidence and getting your child the care they need.

Who’s Responsible When My Child is Bitten by a Dog in Porterville?

In California–including here in Porterville–dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone. That means if your child is bitten, the dog’s owner is:

• Legally responsible for covering the injuries and related damages.
  
  

While the process for child injury claims has a few key differences, your child’s rights under the law stay the same. California’s strict liability law usually means the dog owner is responsible no matter what. But in cases where your child is bitten, comparative negligence can come into play. Usually this happens if:

• You weren’t watching your child closely.
• Your child provoked the dog.
  
  

That doesn’t mean you lose the right to file a claim–but it does make it even more important to have the right team on your family’s side.

Child Dog Bite Lawyers in Porterville

No parent ever expects a dog bite to turn their family’s world upside down–but when it happens, it’s a lot to carry. Between hospital visits, emotional stress, and unanswered questions, it can be hard to know where to turn. At Maison Law, we help Porterville families get through these painful situations. Set up a free consultation with our dog bite lawyers today.