Dog bites and attacks involving children can be traumatic, unexpected, and life-altering. Whether the attack happens at a park, someone else’s home or even in a public space, parents often don’t realise that they can take legal action on behalf of their child.

In South Australia, children have the same rights to compensation as adults – but since they are minors, a parent or guardian must take the lead. This post covers how child injury claims work, how long you have to make a claim following a dog attack, and what you may be entitled to if your child has suffered due to a dog bite.

Children are particularly vulnerable to serious injury when bitten by a dog.

Their smaller size and inability to defend themselves means injuries often involve:

• Facial wounds or scarring
• Nerve damage or infections
• Psychological trauma (e.g. fear of dogs, anxiety)

Even seemingly minor injuries can have long-term consequences, both physical and emotional.

Yes.

However, since a child cannot bring a legal claim themselves, a parent or legal guardian must do so on their behalf. Once the dog owner is identified, the claim is often made against their home and contents insurance policy, which may cover liability for injuries caused by their pet.

Parents can claim compensation to cover:

• Medical and hospital bills
• Plastic or reconstructive surgery
• Psychological counselling or therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term care needs or assistance
• Future treatment costs

In some cases, future loss of income or disfigurement may also be considered depending on the injury severity.

Unlike adults (who generally have 3 years from the date of injury), child claims in South Australia can be made at any point before the child turns 21.

Evidence such as:

• Photos of injuries
• Medical reports
• Police or council incident reports
• Witness statements

…are much easier to collect soon after the dog attack.

So while you technically have time, it’s strongly recommended to get legal advice as early as possible.

These situations can be more uncomfortable, but remember: you’re usually claiming against insurance, not the person directly.

Most homeowners have insurance policies in South Australia that include public liability coverage that may apply in dog bite situations.

It’s worth checking what policies are in place before ruling anything out.

Adults bitten or attacked by a dog can also claim compensation. It is not necessary to prove that the owner was negligent or failed to control the animal.

Common adult claims include:

• Dog escaping from a yard
• Attacks while jogging or walking past a home
• Injuries while trying to protect a child or another person from an attack

Time limits apply (usually 3 years from the date of the injury), and evidence such as medical reports, photographs, and council complaints are essential.

• We’ve helped families and individuals across South Australia recover compensation for dog bites and animal attacks.
• We understand the long-term impact on children, especially when trauma and scarring are involved.
• We offer free claim checks, operate on a no win, no fee basis, and take care of the legal process from start to finish.

If your child has been attacked by a dog, don’t wait get in touch with one of our South Australian personal injury lawyers immediately.

They could be entitled to compensation to help with the recovery and healing to move forward with the right support.

Get a free claim check today or call us for a confidential conversation.