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Dogs may be considered man’s best friend, but they are not every man’s best friend. These lovable four-legged pets can be dangerous when untrained, unrestrained, frightened, or injured. When a dog turns on a person, the injuries can be life-altering, even fatal, especially for young children.
Many common dog bite injuries leave more than lasting scars. They leave permanent injuries and psychological trauma.
Most Common Dog Bites Injuries
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually. Although most dogs have a sweet and loving temperament, dogs are powerful animals capable of inflicting significant injuries. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Amputations, especially of the fingers
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Facial injuries
- Eye injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
Dog bite injuries don’t just cause physical damage. They often cause psychological and emotional trauma. The attack itself and the aftermath of coping with disabling or disfiguring injuries can also lead to anxiety and depression.
Physical and psychological wounds aren’t the only injuries dog bite victims have to worry about. Statistics show that 10 to 20 percent of dog bite wounds become infected. Dog saliva can contain dangerous bacteria that can cause infection, sepsis, and other medical complications. Dogs can also transmit various diseases through bites, such as:
- Rabies
- MRSA
- Tetanus
- Pasteurella
- Capnocytophaga
Although rabies infections from domesticated dogs in the United States are rare, dog bite victims should seek immediate medical attention for their injuries and consider prophylactic measures to prevent illnesses like rabies when necessary. Rabies infections are nearly 99 percent fatal when left untreated.
Long-Term Effects of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can leave long-lasting and permanent scars in addition to physical disability or disfigurement. Dogs have powerful teeth and jaws capable of ripping and tearing flesh. Dog bite wounds can cause extensive tissue damage, requiring surgery and painful skin grafts to repair. Deep bites can also damage sensitive nerves and leave victims with a loss of sensation or mobility around the wound. Although some patients may regain sensation and movement, significant nerve damage can be permanent.
Amputations are also common, especially among small children. The force of a bite can take off fingers and pieces of the nose or ears, permanently disfiguring an individual. The long-term implications of these wounds go beyond physical limitations and disability. These wounds can reshape a person’s life and cause significant financial strain due to lost wages and the loss of earning potential when a person cannot return to work or the same type of work as before the incident.
Dog bites that cause infection or other diseases can also cause long-term health problems and complications. A dog bite can fester when left untreated, leading to infection, staph, and potentially sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can cause the body’s internal organs to fail, leading to death. Some infections can cause severe tissue damage and tissue death, leading to surgical amputations.
Dog bites and dog bite injuries can also severely impact a victim’s quality of life, leaving them with immense emotional distress and pain and suffering. Daily activities can be a constant struggle, and some victims suffer life-long psychological problems. These issues can be prominent among children who have suffered dog bite injuries and attacks. Some of the most common long-term psychological issues associated with dog bites include post-traumatic stress disorder, dog phobia, anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and nightmares.
Contact a Georgia Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite injuries impact more than one aspect of a person’s life. They leave a lasting impact on nearly every aspect of a person’s life. The Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm fights to protect the rights of dog bite victims and hold responsible parties accountable. Contact our firm today to request a free consultation to learn more.
