Understanding Your Rights and Options After a Dog Attack
Few things are more frightening for a parent than seeing your child hurt, especially in an unexpected and violent way, like a dog attack. Whether it happened at a park in Meridian, a friend’s home in Boise, or while walking down your own street, a dog bite can leave more than physical scars. It’s traumatic, and as a parent, your first instinct is to protect, comfort, and make sure your child is safe.
But once the initial shock wears off, many parents are left wondering:
What should I do next? What are my legal options? Who’s responsible?
Idaho law offers strong protections for children who have been bitten or attacked by dogs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take after a dog bite, how liability works in Idaho, and how a child injury attorney can help you hold the dog’s owner accountable and secure the care your child deserves.
Step 1: Get Immediate Medical Care
Even small dog bites can lead to serious complications, especially for children. The risk of infection, nerve damage, and scarring is higher when treatment is delayed.
Seek emergency care right away or visit your pediatrician as soon as possible. Medical professionals can:
- Clean and properly close the wound
- Administer tetanus shots or rabies prophylaxis if needed
- Document the injury, which is critical for your legal claim
In many cases, photos of the injury taken before and after treatment can also support your claim. Keep records of all doctor visits, medications, and follow-up care.
Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner
As soon as the situation is safe, try to gather information about:
- Who owns the dog
- Where the incident occurred
- Whether the dog has a history of aggression
Ask for the owner’s name, contact information, and proof of the dog’s vaccination records. If the attack occurred in a public space, contact animal control or your local police department to file a report. This report can help establish liability later.
If there were witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their statements could be vital if the dog owner denies what happened.
Step 3: Know Your Child’s Legal Rights in Idaho
Idaho law holds dog owners legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, especially when the victim is a child. Under Idaho Code § 25-2805, a dog owner can be held liable if:
- The dog bites or attacks someone without provocation
- The owner knew or should have known the dog had aggressive tendencies
In practice, courts often recognize that children under 6 cannot legally provoke a dog. So even if the dog’s owner claims your child startled the animal, the law may still favor your side.
Unlike some states, Idaho does not have a strict “one bite rule.” While an owner’s prior knowledge of aggression helps your case, it is not required. In many cases, negligence alone is enough to build a successful claim.
A qualified dog bite lawyer in Boise can help investigate the case, speak to witnesses, and gather medical records and other documentation to build a strong claim on your child’s behalf.
Step 4: Document Everything
As your child begins the healing process, keep careful records of everything related to the bite. This information can make a significant difference in the strength and value of your legal claim.
Here are the most important things to track:
- Medical bills and receipts
- Photos of the injury at different stages
- A daily journal tracking pain, emotional trauma, and recovery
- Lost income (if a parent missed work to care for the child)
- Any therapy, plastic surgery, or long-term care recommendations
Documentation is especially critical for children because they may need ongoing care for physical scars, anxiety, or even PTSD after a traumatic attack. Your child’s injury attorney in Idaho will use these records to pursue fair compensation for both immediate and long-term needs.
What Damages Can You Recover?
In Idaho, parents of an injured child can seek compensation through a personal injury claim filed on behalf of the child. This typically involves negotiating with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, which often covers animal liability.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Parental lost wages from missed work
If the dog’s owner acted recklessly, such as ignoring leash laws or failing to secure a known aggressive dog, your attorney may also seek punitive damages to discourage similar behavior in the future.
Here are a few examples of when a case may qualify for additional damages:
- The dog had previously bitten or attacked others
- The owner ignored the signs or fencing requirements
- The attack occurred in a school zone, park, or playground
A dog attack legal help team in Meridian can help determine whether your child’s case qualifies for this kind of extended compensation.
Common Challenges Parents Face After a Dog Bite
Even when liability seems clear, parents often face frustrating challenges when trying to get support for their child’s recovery. Some of the most common issues include:
- The dog owner denies responsibility or blames the child
- The insurance company offers a lowball settlement
- Long-term care, like therapy or reconstructive surgery, is not fully covered
- The emotional impact on the child is minimized
This is where experienced legal help matters most. An attorney who understands Idaho dog bite laws and the emotional impact on children can fight for full compensation and ensure your child’s long-term well-being is prioritized.
When to Call a Dog Bite Lawyer
You don’t need to wait until your child’s treatment is finished to speak with a lawyer. In fact, the earlier you reach out, the more options you may have to protect your family and preserve evidence.
Here’s when you should call:
The bite caused broken skin, bleeding, or required stitches
Your child has visible scars or facial injuries
You’re unsure how to deal with the dog owner or the insurance company
You missed work or are incurring long-term expenses
Your child is experiencing fear, anxiety, or nightmares
At Shep Law Group, we work with families across Boise, Meridian, and surrounding Idaho communities to support recovery and fight for fair compensation. We know how to handle the legal side, so you can focus on helping your child heal, physically and emotionally.
Supporting Your Child Through Recovery
After the legal steps are in motion, your role as a parent shifts toward helping your child feel safe again. Depending on the severity of the bite, your child may experience fear around animals or separation anxiety. In these moments, your presence and reassurance are powerful tools.
Here are a few ways to help your child through the emotional recovery process:
Speak honestly but gently about what happened
Offer extra reassurance and comfort, especially during doctor visits
Keep a routine to provide a sense of security
Consider therapy if your child shows signs of trauma
Wait before reintroducing your child to dogs, and only in a controlled setting
These experiences can leave deep emotional wounds. Having both medical and legal support can ensure your child’s physical and emotional needs are met for the long term.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
If your child has been bitten by a dog in Idaho, you’re likely dealing with pain, fear, and questions all at once. The most important thing to know is that you have legal options, and your family deserves support.
At Shep Law Group, we treat every child injury case with care, compassion, and determination. Our job is to hold negligent dog owners accountable—and help families get the resources they need to move forward.
Let us help you take the next step. A free consultation is just a phone call away.
