Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
I’m Ed Smith, a Turlock dog bite lawyer. Dog bite injuries can be particularly severe as they can lead to dangerous health complications. Studies have shown that approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. While the reasons why dog bites occur are sometimes unclear, pet owners should understand the difference between a tiny nip and a brutal bite.
What are the Most Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries?
Most dog bite injuries can cause immense discomfort and often require lengthy recovery times followed by costly medical expenses. Below are some of the most commonly reported injuries that can occur as a result of a dog bite:
- Bone Fractures: An individual may suffer a bone fracture in the legs, arms, hands, and skull as a result of being bitten, knocked over or attacked by a dog;
- Eye Injuries: This type of injury is especially serious as it requires specialized attention and treatment in protecting the eyes from permanent loss. Dog bites can cause eye injuries ranging from corneal abrasions, eye tissue damage, hemorrhaging, orbital fractures or even loss of an eye;
- Facial Scarring: This type of scar can require reconstructive surgery, which can be expensive and not always covered by health insurance. Additionally, trauma to the face can lead a victim to undergo emotional damages;
- Infections: Infections can be passed on from dogs to humans through puncture wounds, lacerations or breaks within the skin. Rabies is a common type of infection among dog bites and can cause serious health complications or even death in some extreme cases;
- Lacerations: These may occur as a result of a fall caused by a dog attack or contact with the dog’s nails or teeth. These may vary in severity as they can transmit infections or leave scarring;
- Nerve Damage: This can leave a victim with lasting effects long after the abrasions and cuts heal. A dog’s jaw is extremely powerful and has the potential to cause severe damage to the nerves within the area of the bite, causing the victim immense pain or even paralysis. Nerve damage can be very costly as it can require extensive medical treatment and affect one’s ability to work;
- Puncture Wounds: This type of wound is often caused by the dog’s teeth and tends to be deep within the flesh, increasing the chances of sustaining an infection;
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Dog bites can cause not only physical trauma but may also cause the victim to suffer depression, anxiety or PTSD. The extent of emotional trauma from this condition can be just as debilitating as that suffered from a physical injury.
Watch YouTube Video – By Turlock Dog Bite Attorney Ed Smith – What Damages Can Be Claimed in a Dog Bite Case?
The following video discusses the types of damages that may be recovered in a dog bite case.
Recoverable Damages in a Dog Bite Claim
Under California Civil Code section 3342, the owner of any dog is responsible for damages suffered by an individual who was bitten by the dog while lawfully in a private or public space, including the property of the dog owner. Dog bite injuries are usually covered under a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. In other cases, auto insurance may occasionally apply if the bite occurred around or near a motor vehicle. Victims of a dog bite are entitled to recover compensation for pain and suffering, past and future medical costs, cosmetic surgery bills, counseling, past, and future lost income and other related damages. For more information, contact an experienced attorney.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
When an individual suffers injuries as a result of a dog bite, they are often left with excruciating pain that can be debilitating. The cost of medical treatment from these types of injuries can mount quickly, particularly when the injuries lead to time lost from work and other related expenses. If this has happened to you or a loved one, contacting an experienced dog bite attorney in Turlock is an important step to take in the recovery process. An attorney with years of experience understands that there are various factors involved in properly handling a dog bite claim in California and what types of evidence must be shown to prove negligence in order to recover compensation.
Turlock Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Turlock dog bite lawyer. A dog bite can leave an individual seriously injured and emotionally traumatized. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, you need the assistance of a skilled attorney. Contact me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly legal advice.
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