Civil court (small claims) is where you would go, you do not need a lawyer. Check the limit (some states as high as $1,200). You will have all your costs covered and can also get extra for the “trauma”. You can hire a lawyer if you have the resources, but remember you can’t get blood from a turnip, so it may not be worth the extra expense and time.MOST importantly however is to get your child proper testing and vaccination for rabies (about $10 from the Health Department) if needed… this is a REAL threat. It is standard procedure after a bite that breaks the skin, no matter how small. Washing and disinfectant are a start, but not enough. If the test is positive, the child must start treatment within 3 days or it will most likely be fatal. Don’t wait for symptoms or think it will be obvious. As a virus, complications can manifest from the smallest break in the skin.Report it to Animal Control immediately! You will need THEM to verify that the dog’s rabies shot was still viable. Do not count on the owners records as they can be fraudulent. Many dogs, means many papers can be switched as needed if any dogs are similar enough. They will quarantine the dog and maybe put it down if you can prove that that particular dog has bitten before. You should also make claims against the other dogs that bit, even though it is after the fact. The owner may also simply be required to muzzle that dog when taken out in public and to have to keep it fully enclosed on the premises.The owner will be fined for all offenses (incidents, license, vaccinations out of date, etc.) and be monitored or have the dogs permanently removed.Most locales have limits as to how many dogs you are allowed by law, before having to have a valid Kennel Permit. Six is most common, so these people may be breaking that regulation also.The standard leash law allows only 6 feet. Check your local regs to be sure.Though a dog is on a leash, it does not invalidate a dog/human biting incident. Particularly if the leash was not within legal limits. It is the responsibility of the handler (not just the legal owner) to have control of the animal at all times. Research your local Municipal Code (County if out of city limits) on line for most thorough info. Your local Animal Control also has the information (though not always accurate dependent on who you speak to) but do ask when you report it.People that are irresponsible pet owners make it hard for the rest of us to enjoy our lives with our pets. They are also a danger to society.May I also recommend “puppy therapy” (play time with very young puppies that don’t nip) for your son asap so that he will get over the trauma and re-establish a “healthy respect” for dogs. It would be a sad price for him to pay if he never got over it. Any local breeder or dog club can help with this if you explain why.Please, take action immediately.Also check nolo.com the premier on line legal site for more information....
Show More