Common Types of Dog Bites Injuries

A dog bite or attack can take many forms and result in a number of different injuries. While these injuries all differ from each other, they also have many similarities. They are all serious and they also can all result in many complications. Below, our Daniel Island personal injury lawyer outlines the most common types of dog bite injuries and how you can claim compensation for them.

Abrasions 

Abrasions are fairly minor scrapes and grazes that may affect the epidermis, or the topmost layer of skin, but they do not go deeper than that. While these injuries usually do not result in much bleeding, they can cause scarring. Abrasions usually heal on their own but it is important to seek medical help if complications or an infection develops.

Lacerations 

A laceration is a deep tear or cut to the skin. Lacerations go deeper than the epidermis. They can also affect the bones, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves in the body. These injuries are characterized by their uneven zig-zag shape and they usually bleed excessively. Medical attention is needed for lacerations, and these injuries usually require stitches. Skin tape should never be used, as they can trap an infection in the wound.

Puncture Wounds 

When a dog bites, their teeth can pierce and puncture the skin. While these wounds are not usually as big as lacerations, they are typically much deeper. This increases the chance of an infection developing so seeking medical help is always necessary, particularly if the bleeding is slow to stop.

Infections 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infections arise in approximately 10 to 15 percent of dog bites. These infections are typically caused by the bacteria inside of the dog’s mouth but they can also develop if bacteria or germs enter the broken skin after the bite. The common signs of infection are redness, pain, swelling, and they are sometimes warm to the touch. It is critical to seek medical attention for any potential infection.

Crushing Injuries 

The jaw of a dog is very powerful. As a dog’s jaw exerts force, it can crush bones, soft tissues, and muscles. Crushing injuries are the worst when they impact the bones in the face. Sadly, children are particularly vulnerable to these extremely serious injuries.

Psychological Injuries 

Dog bites and attacks are very traumatic events. Even when a person was a dog lover prior to the incident, the psychological trauma can stay with them for many years. People can become very afraid of dogs after a bite or attack and they may never recover from this fear. While not a physical injury, victims still deserve compensation for this emotional distress.

Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Daniel Island Can Help After a Dog Bite

If you or someone you love has been hurt by a dog bite, you may deserve financial compensation. At Fuller Law Firm, our Daniel Island personal injury lawyer can help you hold the dog owner liable so you obtain the maximum settlement that is rightfully yours. Call us now at 843-277-0013 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.

Sources:

publications.aap.org/aapbooks/book/498/Red-Book-2015-2015-Report-of-the-Committee-on?autologincheck=redirected

scstatehouse.gov/code/t47c003.php