Dog Bite Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have estimated that approximately 4.7 million Americans are bitten by a dog annually. Although a majority of non-fatal dog bite wounds are not very serious, many victims require medical treatment. It has been reported that only 17 percent of dog bite victims require medical treatment, while about 7 percent require emergency room care and another 1.8 percent are hospitalized. The injuries sustained by the victims of animal and dog bites can be very serious, and may include scarring and disfigurement, fractured bones, nerve damage, rabies, infections, and under certain circumstances even amputation.
In 2001, over 97.3 percent of dog bite victims were treated for any number of combination injuries, such as puncture wounds, abrasions, and bruises according to the CDC’s study of the Americans treated for dog bites.
According to the CDC’s study, amputations and bone fractures accounted for a little over one percent of dog bite related injuries.
Just over one percent of dog bite patients suffered from dog bite related infections. One serious and well known infection which can be caused by a dog bite is Rabies. Other infections include a skin infection, Cellulitis, and Capnocytophaga Canimorsus which may lead to potentially deadly blood clotting issues. The risk of infection following a dog attack may be increased when the victim has a history of alcohol abuse, has had an organ or limb removed, or has been seriously ill.
Young children who are attacked or bitten by dogs are especially susceptible to severe facial injuries, in fact the study states that 64.9 percent of victims aged four and younger sustained physical injury to their heads and necks. There are many long term and permanent injuries caused by dog bites, in younger children, which may include brain damage, facial nerve damage, eye injury or damage, fractured facial bones, and scarring. In addition to physical injuries, many young dog bite victims may have other problems stemming from the attack such as trouble with school, behavioral issues, anxiety, PTSD, and/or depression.
Children are not the only dog bite victims to experience emotional injuries; many adults and elderly people may also have lasting emotional troubles caused by animal attacks. Following a Washington dog attack, many victims are unable to enjoy being around dogs or spending time in areas where they may come into contact with dogs, such as beaches or parks. Emotional injuries can therefore not only affect the lives of the victim, but the victims’ family and friends as well.
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Washington and are considering filing a legal claim, it is imperative that you take action before significant time has passed. Please contact Bernard Law Group today for a free consultation with a skilled Tacoma dog bite lawyer.
