Common Injuries From Dog Bites

Injuries that result from dog bites can range from minor to severe and life-threatening. The Canine Journal reports that millions of dog bites occur every year, but not all of them require immediate medical attention. Approximately 800,000 dog bites ultimately require medical care, and many of those dog bites require hospitalization. An average of about 30 dog bite fatalities occur every year based on data from the last two decades. When dog bite injuries do occur, what kind of injuries are most common? Some types of dog bite injuries are more common than others, but regardless of the type of harm, an experienced dog bite injury attorney can assist you with your claim.

Animal attacks can result in many different types of injuries. Some of the most common types of dog bite injuries include but are not limited to the following:

• Puncture wounds: A puncture wound occurs when a sharp and pointed object pierces and penetrates a person’s skin. Puncture wound injuries are common in dog attack cases due to the dog’s teeth.
• Fractures or broken bones: When a dog bites down and puts pressure on a person’s hands, face, or limbs, the animal can cause a broken bone or fracture injury.
• Facial disfigurement: When dog bites occur on a person’s face, those bites frequently result in facial disfigurement that can require plastic surgery.
• Scarring: Scarring is a common injury from dog bites, particularly with more severe bites.
• Nerve damage: Depending upon the location and severity of the dog bite, a dog bite can result in nerve damage. Nerve damage can be difficult to repair and may require surgery.
• Rabies: If a dog is rabid when it bites, it can spread rabies. Unless rabies is treated quickly and effectively, it can be deadly for the dog bite victim.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological injuries: In addition to the physical injuries that can result from dog bites and other animal attacks, it is important to know that dog bites can and frequently do result in psychological injuries that can include post-traumatic stress disorder. For dog bite victims, any subsequent encounter with a dog can be triggering and can result in panic attacks and other emotional consequences.

To be eligible for compensation after sustaining any of the common dog bite injuries discussed above, you will need to hire a dog bite injury lawyer to make sure to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out. Each state will have its own statute of limitations for dog bite cases. Under California law, for example, the dog bite case must be filed within two years from the date of the animal attack.

If you or someone you love sustained a common dog bite injury, you may be able to file a claim for financial compensation. One of our attorneys experienced dog bite cases can help. Contact the Walton Law Firm to learn more.