The damages caused by a dog bite include emotional and mental injuries and damage. It also includes physical injuries and financial damages.
Dogs attack or bite more than 4.5 million people each year in the United States. Over 800,000 people receive medical treatment for dog bites. Many of those victims are children. Children are more likely to be severely injured in dog bites, as well as being the most common victims of dog attacks.
It is important to remember that any dog is capable of biting or attacking a human. Even family pets have been known to bite and attack family members. Some of the attacks result in deaths.
According to the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA), many dog bites can be prevented. However, victims of dog bites often suffer long-term consequences from dog bites.
The Consequences of Dog Bites and Dog Attacks
Three consequences of dog bites you might not be aware of at the time of the attack:
Permanent Injuries and Impairments from Dog Bites
Even a minor dog bite could result in scarring, nerve damage, and soft tissue damage. Severe wounds may require one or more surgeries to repair the damage. For some individuals, the damage causes permanent impairments or disabilities. The scarring from a dog bite can be significant. Bites and wounds to the face can cause substantial disfigurement.
Life-Threatening Infections Caused
Dog bites have the potential to cause life-threatening infections. Infections are secondary injuries to the wounds caused by the dog attack. Victims may require lengthy hospital stays and extensive medical intervention. If not treated, infections can cause permanent disabilities and loss of life.
Rabies is another concern with dog and animal bites. Victims should seek immediate medical treatment for a dog bite, even a minor dog bite. The person may need to be tested for rabies and other diseases they could contract from a dog bite.
Emotional and Mental Injuries
The emotional distress and mental anguish caused by a dog attack can have lasting effects, especially for children. Dog bite victims may experience anxiety and fear when encountering dogs or other animals. They may also develop emotional or mental disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and clinical depression.
Victims may experience night terrors, flashbacks, eating disorders, and other signs of a trauma disorder. For some victims, the symptoms of an emotional disorder can be debilitating. It can prevent them from working, attending school, or perform routine daily activities.
Damages Caused by Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
The damages caused by a dog bite include emotional and mental injuries and damage. It also includes physical injuries and financial damages. Victims may seek compensation for damages such as medical bills, permanent impairments, loss of income, and mental trauma. The value of a dog bite claim depends on the facts of the case.
If the person dies from injuries sustained from an animal attack, family members may seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.
Call a Washington DC Personal Injury Lawyer Now for a Free Consultation
The Washington DC dog bite attorneys of the Roeser Law Firm represent clients in Maryland and Washington DC. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Washington dog bite injury lawyer.
