Dog bites are a serious problem that affects many individuals every year. Dog bites can cause physical and emotional harm to victims and may require extensive medical treatment, resulting in lasting financial damage. In severe cases, dog bite injuries can cause permanent damage, including amputation, disability, chronic pain, and mental health issues.
A dog bite attorney with Sand Law will be ready to fight for your rights if you’ve suffered an injury in a dog attack. We’ll do everything we can to help you obtain the compensation you deserve, including investigating the incident so we can determine who’s responsible. If you would like to schedule a free review of your case, you can give us a call at 651-291-7263 or contact us online.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), about 4.5 million dog bites occur in the US every year. About 800,000 dog attack victims require medical attention.
Causes of Dog Bite Accident Injuries
There are many reasons why a dog may bite a person. Dogs may bite if they feel threatened or they’re protecting their owner or territory. They may also bite if they are scared or in pain. In some cases, dogs may bite because they are aggressive or the owner has trained them to attack.
Certain dog breeds are more likely to cause severe injuries than others. According to the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University, Pit Bulls, Mixed Breeds, and German Shepherds are responsible for the most dog bites in the US. Great Danes and Akitas were found to pose less of a risk of biting, but they tend to cause significant damage when they do.
Injuries Associated with Dog Bites
Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe wounds that require surgery. Common injuries associated with dog bites include puncture wounds, lacerations, and broken bones. In some cases, dog bites may lead to infections, such as rabies or tetanus, which can be life-threatening.
Some Dog Bite Injuries May Require Amputation
In severe cases, dog bite injuries may require amputation. Amputation may be necessary if the injury is so severe that it can’t be repaired or if the injury has caused damage to nerves and blood vessels. Amputation can be a difficult decision for a victim to make, as it will profoundly impact their quality of life.
Dog Bite Accident Injuries May Cause Disability and Chronic Pain
Dog bites can cause permanent damage, resulting in disability and chronic pain. Head, neck, and spine injuries can cause paralysis or other types of disability. Chronic pain can occur due to nerve damage or injuries to joints and muscles. Victims may sometimes require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation to manage their pain and mobility issues.
Lasting Financial Damage
Injuries from a dog attack can result in lasting financial damage for victims. Medical bills associated with dog bite injuries can be extensive, particularly if the victim requires surgery, hospitalization, or ongoing medical care. Dog bite injuries can also cause a victim to miss work or be unable to return to work, resulting in lost wages and other income. Victims may also experience ongoing expenses related to their injury, such as medical equipment or home modifications to accommodate a disability.
Permanent Mental Damage
Dog bite injuries can also cause lasting emotional trauma for victims. The experience of being attacked by a dog can be extremely frightening and lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. In some cases, victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can significantly impact their daily lives.
Recovering Your Damages
If you’ve been hurt in a dog attack, it will be essential that you seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, they can still become infected or lead to more severe complications. Once you’ve received medical treatment, you may want to consider seeking compensation for your damages.
If the dog that attacked you belongs to someone else, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the owner. In some cases, their homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the cost of your damages. If the owner doesn’t have insurance or the insurance company denies your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover your damages.
To recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit, you’ll need to prove that the dog owner was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. Negligence may include:
- Failing to restrain the dog properly.
- Not warning others about the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
- Failing to take other reasonable steps to prevent the attack.
Contact Sand Law to Speak with an Experienced Dog Bite Accident Attorney
Speak with an experienced dog bite injury attorney as soon as possible if you’ve suffered injuries in a dog attack. At Sand Law, we’ve helped many clients recover compensation for their dog bite injuries. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you navigate the legal process and recover your damages.
When you contact Sand Law, we’ll have a free consultation to help you understand your legal options. If we take your case, we’ll work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf. We’ll work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Sand Law, we understand the impact that dog bite injuries can have on your life. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized representation to each and every one of our clients. We’ll work with you to ensure that you receive the support you need to recover from your injuries.
If you would like more information or you’d like to schedule a free case review, please use our online contact form or call 651-291-7263 so we can get to work on your behalf.