One of the most concerning parts of dog bite incidents is that they can happen at any time. Any kind of dog attack can leave the victim with serious injuries. Not only does the victim need to deal with the injury itself, but they will also have to worry about the risk of infection.
While some dog attacks only lead to minor injuries, it's important to be aware of what to expect at any moment. Most dog bites are preventable, but they may still happen from time to time.
On this page, there's a breakdown of the most common injuries for a dog bite that everyone should know about. Our team has more information on common injuries for a slip and fall as well.
An Overview of the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries
By understanding the injuries that victims of dog attacks suffer, people will have a better idea of what they should do if they want to seek justice for what happened.
Usually, dog attacks can be more severe than cat bites, especially if there's a large breed involved. Below, people can find the most common dog bite wounds they can experience, ranging from mild to serious:
Skin and Tissue Injuries
More often than not, dog bite wounds involve the skin. Superficially speaking, a person can experience abrasions, superficial cuts, and puncture wounds.
These skin wounds tend to be minor, but it's always a great idea to seek medical help as soon as possible. When the wound is too deep, it may take longer to heal without proper treatment. Also, some wounds may get infected, which can prolong the pain and symptoms.
Neck and Arm Injuries
These injuries often happen when the victim tries to restrain the dog or move away from them. Trying to move a lot during an attack will only lead to further problems.
Depending on how the dog lunged at the person, it may cause their arms to get pinched in the jaws. This could lead to damage to soft tissues, such as the muscles and ligaments. While some scenarios lead to minor discomfort, others involve extreme pain.
In most cases, it's a bad idea to try to control a dog by using physical strength. Brute force can make the dog act even more aggressively, leading to worse injuries.
Jaw Chomping Injuries
When a dangerous dog applies pressure to a bite, this can cause plenty of issues, which include:
Abrasions
Contusions
Lacerations
In severe cases, a dog's bite can crush a person's limbs. There, the person will have to undergo reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, some cases may lead to amputation.
Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
Puncture wounds from canine teeth can be minor or severe, depending on the size and strength of the dog.
A small dog, for example, may create shallow puncture wounds that can heal by themselves. Larger dogs, on the other hand, could cause deep lacerations that will require immediate medical help.
Another factor that affects the severity of the injury is the duration of the attack. Some dogs won't let go of the person they're attacking, which may cause deeper punctures.
Regardless of how small the injury may seem, people should seek help. There's usually a high risk of infection with these wounds.
Can Animal Bite Injuries Lead to Scarring?
In many cases, a dog bite can lead to scarring. If the wound is too severe, it will scar, which can disfigure the person's skin. Also, the scarring process may become uncomfortable over time, as the person will start experiencing itching around the area.
Some factors that affect the scarring process include:
The size of the bite
The location of the wound
How quickly the person got medical attention
The person's age
Cleaning the wound as soon as possible can reduce the risk of intense scarring, as this gets rid of bacteria or microorganisms that can cause inflammation or infection. If the wound doesn't heal quickly enough, the person may have to take antibiotics/antiseptics.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
It depends on the case. Puppies, for example, often bite as part of their "aggressive" play. Adults, on the other hand, could have many reasons to bite someone.
Some dogs bite as a way to deal with perceived threats. Others do it to resolve competitive issues, which include food, territory, or even attention from the owner. A person's dog, for example, could bite someone as a protective reaction too.
Not all dogs that bite are dangerous. It's important to understand that the reason behind the bite can vary a lot depending on the animal.
The best way to avoid getting involved in a dog bite incident is to not interact with a strange animal unless the owner states that it's okay to do so.
Owners, on the other hand, should work on their dog's socializing experience while they're young. They must also avoid any elements that could cause them anxiety, such as loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or letting strangers touch the animal if it's startled. For more information, the best dog bite lawyer in Des Moines may be able to help.
What Should People Do After a Dog Bite Incidence?
All victims of a dog bite should seek medical help as soon as possible. This ensures that they have the best chance of recovery without too many lasting consequences.
Getting medical attention will also give the victim documentation that they can use as evidence if they decide to press charges against the dog's owner.
If the person wants to seek legal action, they should contact an attorney whenever possible. These experts will know what to do depending on the circumstances of the case, ensuring the victim gets properly compensated for what happened. They can also consult on common injuries for a workplace accident.
Bottom Line
Dog attacks aren't the same as human bites, for example, so victims should seek help from a specialized attorney who can deal with the problem at hand.
While dog bite fatality rates are considerably low today, it's always better to play it safe and seek medical attention. Once the person gets the help they need, they may contact a personal injury attorney to build against the dog's owner.
The team at Tom Fowler Law is here to help people in Des Moines, Iowa, who may have been affected by dog bites. By seeking a free consultation with this team, victims can get all the information they need to get started.
Comments