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Dogs are an integral part of our lives, and unfortunately, they bite occasionally. Dog bites and the infections that result are a vexing aspect of life. Dog bites are common, affecting an estimated five million Americans each year. Around 20% of dog bites result in infections that require medical attention. When it comes to dog bites, there are no exceptions: they are an unfortunate fact of life that occurs far too frequently to be covered or discussed in the media. If you have been bitten by a dog and are considering filing a lawsuit, it is critical to understand the extent of your injuries in order to properly present your case to the court. Engage the services of a dog bite personal injury attorney to assist you in winning your case.
Dog bites can take on a variety of shapes and manifest themselves in a variety of ways. If you have been bitten by a dog and are considering filing a lawsuit against the dog’s owner, it is critical to understand the nature of your injury in order to effectively describe your situation to the court and obtain the dog bite compensation you deserve.
The following are some of the most common injuries to look for when filing a lawsuit against a dog’s owner, along with information on how to treat them:
1. Lacerations
Lacerations are extremely serious wounds. They penetrate your skin to gain access to your muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. These wounds exhibit perplexing, random, squiggly patterns in addition to profuse bleeding. Your doctor may perform surgery and will almost certainly use sutures to repair a laceration. Avoid self-healing wounds with medical tape; instead, seek medical attention for any dog bite. The situation may deteriorate, and infection isolation may be necessary.
2. Abrasions
Scrapes and abrasions are superficial injuries that rarely penetrate deeper than the skin’s surface. When someone is bitten by a dog, the skin may not bleed profusely, but severe injuries may result in scarring. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is always a good idea to see a doctor if the opportunity presents itself to ensure that no serious problems or infections have developed. Any abrasions sustained as a result of a dog attack should be treated immediately to avoid infection. Additionally, if you require proof in court, you may be required to produce your medical records.
3. Punctures
A puncture wound caused by a dog bite does not appear to be nearly as severe as other types of injuries. They assume they’re resolved and only address them if they’re experiencing significant pain. Puncture wounds are potentially dangerous, and this is a fact. If you have been bitten by a dog, the wound is more likely to become infected. If the infection worsens, it may be fatal. There is a risk of long-term nerve injury, which can significantly alter your life. They can result in deadly diseases such as rabies, blood poisoning, and tetanus.
4. Infections
Around 15% of dog bites are infected. Dog infections can be caused by bacteria on the dog’s teeth or tongue, but bacteria on your skin can also infect the wound. To avoid infection, you should keep your wounds clean. Keep an eye out for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, and pain. Certain cases may result in warmer sensations in the infected area. Consult your physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. You should be able to obtain an antibiotic prescription from your doctor, which should be effective in combating the illness.
5. Rabies
Rabies can be transmitted through the saliva of a dog. Additionally, raccoon saliva, bat saliva, skunk saliva, and fox saliva all aid in the spread of the disease. If the animal was infected with rabies, treatment must begin within 48 hours of being bitten, regardless of whether it was a dog or another mammal. Nobody has ever died after receiving rabies treatment within 48 hours. Even though only a few Americans contract rabies each year, it is critical to treat it continuously because it is fatal if left untreated.
Animal control seizes the dog and quarantines it in the owner’s home, unless the dog is infected with rabies. While quarantined, the dog must avoid contact with other animals and must report its demise (for observation, or to see if it dies during the quarantine period). In the event of death, rabies testing is performed on the brain. It is widely accepted that someone who violates a quarantine order may face prison time. Avoiding quarantine orders carries the same penalty as hiding the dog.
The victim is presumed to be safe and does not receive rabies treatment unless the dog dies. If a person has been bitten and exhibits rabies symptoms, treatment must begin immediately. The condition manifests itself through an increased susceptibility to anger, headaches, fever, and, on occasion, itchy skin. Although rabies is usually fatal, victims are still capable of communicating their wishes during their final days if they do not receive treatment. The disease’s incubation period can last between two and eight weeks, but is more commonly two to four weeks and very rarely more than a year following exposure.
A person who fails to vaccinate their dog against rabies may be held liable for any injuries or financial costs incurred as a result of their dog biting another person. If the victim has rabies, the damages will be significant. Even if the victim had to receive rabies treatment alone, the discomfort of the lengthy and tedious therapy, coupled with the fear of death from rabies, would result in significant life stress.
Violations of quarantine rules or concealment of a dog to avoid examination may also result in severe financial penalties, as the victim will experience extreme stress and incur the costs of rabies treatment.
6. Tetanus
Although tetanus is uncommon, it can occur as a result of a dog bite. Generally, this occurs when someone possesses skin flora or acquires it through exposure to the environment. To minimize this risk, you should request a tetanus screening and vaccination from your doctor. If you did not contract an infection and are concerned that you may have contracted tetanus as a result of a dog bite, watch for the following symptoms:
- Aches in the jaw
- Muscle twitches that are not voluntary
- Painful Stiffness
- Migraine/Seizures
- Fiebre
- An Effervescent Heartbeat
7. Crushing Injuries
Crushing injuries are frequently inflicted during a fight by large dogs. Jaws of a large dog can injure you by breaking, fracturing, or crushing your bones, as well as injuring your muscles and soft tissues. It’s unfortunate, but many dogs will maul the heads of infants. Infants account for approximately 12% of dog bite-related deaths.
8. Avulsion
Avulsion occurs when a dog tears your skin or tissue away, as the tissue is torn rather than ripped. If a dog, for example, completely tears off your ear, this is referred to as an avulsion injury. These are monstrous injuries. Such procedures necessitate reconstructive surgery, which frequently results in permanent scarring or other adverse outcomes.
9. Scarring
If you sustain any type of injury, such as an avulsion, a laceration, or severe abrasions, you may develop scars. To minimize the long-term damage caused by scarring, your doctors may recommend laser therapy or skin grafts. You may find it difficult to go out in public if you have visible scarring; in this case, speaking with an Edmonds personal injury lawyer may assist you in obtaining compensation for your pain and suffering.
10. Nerve Injury
Nerve damage may occur if the bite penetrates your nerves. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may never be able to walk, use your hands, or even breathe normally again. In the worst-case scenario, nerve injury can result in permanent paralysis.
11. Emotional Consequences
You’re generally concerned about your health in the aftermath of a dog bite. To receive the best treatment possible, you want to be confident that your child, loved one, or yourself will receive the best care possible. Many people believe that once they have addressed the physical consequences of a dog bite, life will return to normal. However, the emotional consequences are frequently much more difficult to manage. However, dog bites and attacks are frightening events that can leave victims traumatized for a long period of time. From anxiety to depression to post-traumatic stress disorder, the various forms of mental illness span a broad spectrum (PTSD).
Did you know that in a dog bite case, pain and suffering can be considered in addition to physical injury? To assist you in winning your case, contact the best dog bite personal injury lawyer Shoreline.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Dog Bite?
- Treat if Mild– If the infection is minor, treat it on your own. Adhere to standard emergency treatment. If there is bleeding, clean and bandage the wound.
- Seek professional medical care immediately for deep or severe injuries- It is critical to completely remove all dirt and debris from the incision to minimize the risk of infection. This procedure should be performed by a physician. We may also require a tetanus shot and other treatments, depending on the type of poisoning.
- Contact a dog bite attorney in Shoreline– Dog bite lawsuits can be difficult to win, which is why it’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. If you’re concerned about an injury, contact the office of a Shoreline dog bite personal injury lawyer, who will typically provide you with a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
There is a straightforward reason to retain the services of the best dog bite attorney: It could mean the difference between being paid and not being paid. You may be unaware of all potential medical expenses. You might besurprised to learn that certain scars entitle you to additional compensation. Your health insurer may decline to cover future medical procedures classified as “cosmetic.” If you’re interested in learning more about Washington State’s dog bite laws, visit https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=16.08.040.
We’ll do everything we can to get you the compensation you need and deserve. Why hire Justin Elsner and Elsner Law Firm?
- We investigate the dog attack.
- We look into the owner’s leash and dog bite regulations.
- We hire experts as needed.
- We fight for your legal rights against the insurer.
- No time to visit our office? We’ll come to you – hospital, home, or wherever you are.
- We keep track of your bills.
- We meet all deadlines.
- We are here to help you with any dog bite legal questions.
So you can focus on getting better.
If you have significant problems from a dog attack and were hurt by puncture wounds, please contact us at any time. In addition to prosecuting, our lawyers will help you pursue your legal rights. Call Elsner Law Firm at 206-447-1425
