In Newport Beach, a 2-year-old boy sustained serious facial injuries on Monday when a German Shepherd that was unsupervised at Newport Pier bit him. Young Connor Errington is recovering from his injuries from the Orange County, California dog bite incident.
The toddler was standing about two feet from the dog that was tied to a tree. As Connor attempted to say goodbye to the dog, the animal bit him on the face. The boy had to get six stitches and his nose may be broken.
The German Shepherd's owner has provided documentation showing that it has the necessary vaccination. It will be placed under quarantine in case of rabies.
Dog Bite Injuries
With this week's hot weather appearing to usher in an early summer, it is important to remember that the heat can turn kids and dogs together into a bad combination. This is why if you plan on taking your child to a park, a beach, or another public area, you must take extra precautions to prevent him or her from getting attacked, bitten or mauled by a dog.
Children are especially prone to serious injuries to the head and neck areas during dog attacks. Not only can these injuries be extremely painful, but they can lead to serious wounds and scars requiring extensive plastic surgery--procedures which may not take place until after the child is fully grown.
According to a study published in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery's March 2009 issue about 84 children (up to age 19) who were treated for dog bite wounds:
• Age 6 was the average age for kids injured in dog attacks.
• 1/3rd of the injuries happened on the cheek area of the face.
• 21% of the injuries were sustained on the lips.
• 8% of injuries affected the ears and nose.
• 64% of the kids who were injured sustained more than one facial wound.
• 40% of all of the injuries required a child to undergo surgery while under general anesthesia.
• Pit bulls are the breed most commonly identified in dog attacks involving child victims.
You may be able to file a Newport Beach dog bite lawsuit on behalf of your son or daughter.
Dog that bit 2-year-old boy's face to be quarantined, OC Register, April 22, 2009
Recipe For Dog Bite Injuries: Kids, Dogs And Warm Weather, ScienceDaily, March 27, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Dog Bite Prevention, CDC
Top 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds, Pets Do
Contact our Orange County, California personal injury law firm today.
