Some dog bites are minor issues. They are frightening and stressful, but the injuries generated are ultimately minor. Other dog bite incidents are far more serious. People can sustain serious injuries that generate major medical expenses or cause long-term medical challenges. They may then have medical expenses and potentially also lost wages to address.
All three of the medical complications below are well-known consequences of dog bite incidents.
1. Broken bones
Some dogs are big and strong enough to cause fractures with bite force alone. Other times, people with compromised immune systems, older adults and children could sustain fractures if they fall when a dog attacks them.
2. Major infections
Dog bite wounds can be difficult for people to properly clean without medical intervention. The tapered shape of a dog’s teeth introduces bacteria deep into the body. Dog bite infections can become systemic and may even require hospitalization in the worst cases.
3. Disfiguring scars
Dog bite injuries are more likely to scar than other wounds of similar size and placement. The pressure applied by the dog’s jaws and the tearing motion of the bite can cause substantial tissue damage in addition to the puncture wounds. Scars can affect a person’s range of motion, especially when they sustain widespread scars on their hands. They can also cause permanent disfigurement when visible on the face or neck.
The cost of a dog bite incident can extend well beyond what people initially anticipate. Filing a premises liability insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit may sometimes be necessary to hold a dog owner financially accountable for the harm that an aggressive animal causes.