5 Possible Permanent Injuries From Dog Bites

dog bit injuries

Millions of people throughout the United States have dogs as pets, and in most situations, dogs are friendly and able to behave safely around others. However, there are some dogs that are poorly trained, aggressive, and unsafe. Even if a dog has not previously behaved aggressively, it may unexpectedly bite or attack someone.

Dog bite injuries can vary in severity, and while some may be mild, others may lead to permanent injuries that will affect a victim’s health and well-being for years to come. Those who have suffered these types of serious injuries can work with a personal injury attorney to determine their options for recovering compensation from a negligent dog owner.

Permanent Bodily Harm and Disabilities Resulting From Dog Bites

An attack by a dog can cause multiple types of serious injuries. Some of these injuries, such as lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, or infections, may only affect a person temporarily, and a victim may recover after receiving the proper medical treatment. However, some injuries can be long-lasting or permanent, including:

  • Crushed or shattered bones – Certain dog breeds have very strong jaws, and the force of a bite may cause serious fractures in which bones are crushed or broken into multiple small pieces. While these fractures may be repaired through surgical procedures, a victim may never regain full function in the parts of their body that were affected. When these injuries affect parts of the body such as the hands, wrists, or ankles, a person’s mobility and their ability to complete daily tasks may be permanently affected.
  • Nerve damage – Puncture wounds from dog bites may result in nerves being severed or severely damaged. This may result in loss of sensation, constant pain or tingling, or an inability to properly use different parts of the body. Nerve damage is often irreversible, and it may lead to permanent disabilities or impairments.
  • Traumatic brain injuries – A dog may knock a person down, causing them to strike their head on the ground or other objects. This may lead to permanent brain damage and ongoing difficulties, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, problems with balance, fatigue, mood disorders, or cognitive impairments.
  • Scarring and disfigurement – Severe lacerations or puncture wounds can leave behind permanent scars. Dog bites and attacks may result in permanent disfigurement of the face, neck, upper body, arms, or legs.
  • Emotional trauma – An attack by a dog can be an incredibly distressing experience, and a person may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may affect their ability to maintain employment, their relationships with loved ones, and their overall well-being.

Contact Our Carrollton, TX Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a member of your family have been attacked by a dog, you will need to determine whether you can take legal action to pursue compensation from the animal’s owner or any other parties who were responsible. Hartley Law Firm can advise you of your options in these cases, and we will help you address the permanent injuries that you have suffered and fight to ensure that you will be made whole. Contact our Carrollton dog bite injury attorney by calling 469-289-6063 and scheduling a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.medicinenet.com/dog_bite_treatment/article.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/dog-bite-treatment#complications

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1804160/

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