Dog Bite Injury Complications
While the vast majority of dogs are friendly and well-trained, dogs always have the potential to become aggressive and attack the people around them. For this reason, everyone needs to understand the variety of complications that could result from an injury, no matter why dog bites occur.
Rabies a Possibility
People who have owned a dog understand the importance of dogs getting their rabies vaccination on schedule. For those who don’t know, rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from animals to people. In the case of people contracting rabies, it may be universally fatal. Knowing what to do after a dog bite is essential. If someone has been attacked by a dog who exhibited an abrupt personality change or who has been foaming from the mouth, there is a chance that this dog may have rabies. If someone has been bitten by a dog whose rabies status is unknown (or who is a stray), it is essential to seek medical attention immediately so that they can receive rabies treatment. This could prevent the disease from spreading. Most dogs who have been vaccinated have a tag on their collar that signifies their rabies vaccination status; however, this is only one of the types of injuries that can occur.
Dog Bites Can Cause Head Injuries
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that dog bites can cause head or brain injuries, particularly in children who are easily knocked over. The attack could knock anyone to the ground, depending on the dog’s size. When the patient falls over, their head can strike the ground with tremendous force, mainly if the person falls onto concrete or pavement. This could lead to anything from a skull fracture to a traumatic brain injury, depending on the force. If the person develops intracranial bleeding, their injury could wind up being life-threatening. If someone who has been attacked by a dog strikes their head on the ground, they need to receive medical attention immediately. Head injuries are always time-sensitive and deserve urgent medical care. Remember that some dogs are more likely to bite than others.
Miscellaneous Complications of Dog Bite Injuries
While the above injuries are two of the most severe complications that can result from a dog bite or a dog attack, there are several other complications that people should be aware of:
Nerve Damage: if someone uses their hand or arm to shield themselves from a dog bite, they could still wind up with a deep laceration on their hand or arm. There are nerves under the skin that control motor and sensory function. If these nerves are damaged, patients could lose this function.
Facial Lacerations/Facial Scarring: Facial lacerations can result when the skin is punctured or torn due to an animal attack. Additionally, some people suffer facial scarring and other scarring on their body after a severe attack by a dog.
Infection: It’s no secret that a dog’s mouth is not the cleanest place in the world. If the dog bite penetrates the skin, a bacteria could seed itself in the wound underneath, leading to a severe infection that requires antibiotics.
Bleeding: As with any penetrating wound, bleeding is always a risk. If the dog bite is deep or severs a blood vessel, the bleeding could become profuse. People should apply pressure to the wound and visit a qualified medical professional immediately to evaluate the wound and the need for possible blood products.
No matter the complications, someone attacked by a dog can seek damages for the injury.
Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer. Dog bite injuries can range from mild to severe depending on the size of the dog and the depth or number of the dog bites. Anyone suffering from a dog bite injury should contact me at (916) 921-6400 for friendly, free advice. I also have a toll-free line for those outside the local area at (800) 404-5400.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum in California. We are made up of some of the top-rated trial attorneys in the country. Lawyers in the forum have obtained case verdicts or settlements worth more than $ 1 Million.
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