Understanding Dog Bite Lawsuits

Unfortunately, millions of Americans are bitten by animals – specifically dogs – each year. In many cases, these instances occur because the dog owner has not properly trained or leashed their dog, allowing them to continue to display poor, dangerous behavior. Depending on the scenario, a person who is bitten by an animal may have a legal right to recover damages from the person responsible for that animal. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 5 million people in the nation are bitten by dogs on an annual basis. Roughly 20% of these end up requiring medical treatment, some for very serious injuries. If animals are not properly trained by their owners, they may be a detriment to society. In the event you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, the dog’s owner or another responsible party should be held accountable and may be required to reimburse you for your damages and suffering. Here at Rad Law Firm, we understand how emotionally difficult these types of cases can be. When someone is bitten by a dog, especially if the victim is a child, it could cause serious, lifelong damage.

Understanding the Most Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can range from mild to severe, but some of the most common types include the following:

• Puncture wounds – When a dog’s teeth sink it your skin and they have a firm latch, it may result in a puncture wound. While you may not bleed profusely when these types of injuries occur, they can be very dangerous and should be treated accordingly. In some cases, puncture wounds can penetrate the skin quite deeply, making them prone to infection.

• Infection – One of the most common types of injuries associated with dog bites is infection. Regardless of the size of dog, their teeth and nails may have bacteria in them, which leads to a higher chance of infection in you, should you sustain a bite.

• Scarring – In most cases, the wounds from dog bites will heal. However, there are instances when permanent facial or body scarring can occur. When this happens, the victim will likely require painful and extensive reconstructive surgery.

• Nerve damage – It is no secret that a dog’s jaw is very strong, more so than many people even realize. If a dog bites you on the face, neck, arms, or legs, it may result in serious nerve damage. In some serious instances, this nerve damage may cause mobility issues and chronic pain that is very hard to get over.

• Emotional damages – Last but certainly not least, being bitten by a dog or involved in an animal attack of any kind can be an extremely traumatizing experience. When a child sustains a dog bite, he or she may have nightmares, develop a fear of dogs, or show other serious symptoms of trauma.

Unfortunately, reconstructive surgery is the recommended treatment option for more than 27,000 dog bite victims. Another shocking stat, 5,900 bites are sustained by mail persons or letter carriers each year. These are important statistics, as they highlight the seriousness of dog bites and the lasting effects they can have on the victim and their family. If you have sustained a dog bite or have been attacked by another animal, contact a personal injury attorney from the Rad Law Firm today.