Did you know that more than four and a half million people get bitten by dogs every year?
From puncture wounds to lacerations, a dog bite can cause serious damage to the skin and underlying tissue. In some cases, a dog bite can also lead to infection, nerve damage, and even death.
This is why it is so important to know about the most common types of dog bite injuries and what to do if a dog bites you. To make things easier for you, we have put together a guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
Minor Types of Dog Bite Injuries
People often make the mistake of thinking that it is not necessary to get medical care to treat minor dog bite injuries. The truth is that these injuries are often more severe than people initially believe.
This is why you should immediately treat your injury after you’ve been bitten by a dog. You should also consider reaching out to a dog bite lawyer if the injury was the result of someone else’s negligence.
Here are some of the most common types of minor dog bite injuries to know about.
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds are one of the most common types of injuries caused by a dog bite. These injuries occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin.
These small and deep wounds can be difficult to clean and can easily become infected.
Lacerations
These injuries occur when a dog’s teeth tear the skin. This often creates jagged, open wounds that can be painful and may require stitches.
Scrapes
Scrapes occur when a dog’s nails or teeth scrape the skin. These types of wounds tend to be shallower.
If a dog’s teeth or nails scrape your skin, you might experience mild pain and discomfort, but they usually heal quickly and don’t require medical attention.
Bruises
Bruises can take several days or weeks to heal and may be accompanied by swelling and tenderness. You might not need medical attention if a dog’s bite has bruised your skin.
But it is often the case that bruises are accompanied by other types of more serious injuries.
Rashes
It is possible that a dog’s saliva will create a rash after a dog has bitten you. It might take several days or weeks for rashes to disappear.
Serious Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Serious dog bite injuries are more common than you might think. If you are seriously injured by a dog, you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. Here are the most common types of serious dog bite injuries to know about.
Facial Injuries
Dog bites to the face can cause severe damage to the eyes, nose, ears, and lips. These injuries can cause disfigurement, blindness, deafness, and other serious health problems. They are commonly seen in personal injury cases.
Hand Injuries
Dog bites to the hands can cause damage to tendons, ligaments, and nerves. It might be hard to open and close your hand. Hand injuries also tend to be extremely painful.
Neck and Throat Injuries
Dog bites to the neck and throat can cause serious damage to the airway. It might even be difficult for you to breathe. These injuries can also cause severe bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
Nerve Damage
Dog bites can cause nerve damage. A dog’s bite might have caused nerve damage if parts of your body are numb, tingling, or if the muscles where a dog has bitten you are weak. In some cases, nerve damage is permanent.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Dog bites can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. Scars can significantly impact people’s self-esteem and quality of life.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are serious complications that can develop after you’ve been bitten by a dog.
These infections typically develop within several days or weeks after being bitten by a dog. You might come down with a fever. Also, your skin might turn red and start to swell.
In some cases, an infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite to reduce the risk of infection.
Cleaning the wound thoroughly with soap and water and applying an antibacterial ointment can also help to prevent infection. In some cases, it might be necessary to take antibiotics.
If a dog bite creates an infection, make sure to find a dog bite lawyer. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you are fairly compensated by the owner of the dog that’s bitten you.
Emotional Trauma
It is common for people to suffer from emotional trauma being bitten by dogs, even if their physical injuries are minor.
People often experience fear, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may have nightmares, flashbacks, or become anxious when around dogs.
In some cases, people may develop a phobia of dogs. A therapist or counselor can help you work through your feelings and develop coping mechanisms.
Also, it is a great idea to find a great dog bite lawyer who thoroughly understands what premises liability is and how it works.
Hiring a Beverly Hills Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite injuries are more common than most people think.
If you have been bitten by a dog due to the negligence of the owner, remember how important it is to hire a skilled and experienced injury lawyer to help you get the financial compensation that you need and deserve.
Are you ready to hire a dog bite attorney? If so, keep in mind that we at Titan Law Firm are here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get started today!
