Dog bites are nothing to take lightly. The severity of the injury and the potential for infection can make the incident traumatic for a victim of a dog bite, and potentially catalyst a chain reaction that leads to significant medical expenses, physical discomfort, and even death. You can learn more here about what to expect when it comes to dog bite injuries and how to prevent the incident from escalating into something that you cannot control.
It is always best to speak to a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles if you have incurred any injuries in a dog attack. A lawyer can walk you through eligibility for any compensation that is due to you, in addition to instructing you on your rights in the case.
Here are the most common and severe injuries a dog attack victim can face in a dog attack:
- Broken or punctured skin
This is the most obvious result of a dog attack. Dog bites can cause punctures in your skin, leaving you open to infection by bacteria and viruses. You are also at risk for sepsis, which is when your body’s immune system attacks its own tissues in an effort to fight infection. If you or someone you know has suffered puncture wounds from a dog attack, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
- Broken bones
Broken bones are the result of a dog attack when the dog causes you to fall over and land on your side or bottom. The severity of this injury can vary depending on the type of dog and how much force it used to injure its victim. Broken bones can occur in the arms, legs, neck area, and ribs.
- Eye injuries
Eye injuries are always an alarming possibility when it comes to dog attacks. Dogs’ teeth are sharp, and the animal can use this to cause puncture wounds in your eyes or even pull the eye out of its socket. Such eye injuries can be severe and may require surgery to repair.
- Scarring and disfigurement
Dog attacks can also cause scarring and disfigurement. If you’re unfortunate enough to sustain large scars or disfigurement as a result of a dog attack, it’s important to seek financial assistance for medical expenses, including plastic surgery.
- Nerve damage
Dog bites can also cause nerve damage that can result in numbness and tingling in your arms or legs. This damage can be a long-term issue. Dog attacks or bites from pit bulls, which are sometimes reported to be more dangerous than other dogs, are often responsible for catastrophic injuries like this.