5 Common Injuries Associated with Dog Bites
When it comes to personal property, the owner can be held accountable for injuries resulting from potentially hazardous property that is not appropriately secured.
In Arizona, one common personal injury resulting from this kind of negligence is dog bites.
By and large, dogs can be harmless and even helpful. They make wonderful family pets or protectors.
Dog owners are responsible for training their animals—as well as keeping them contained in a safe area. In Arizona, there is a two-bite policy.
However, if you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a dog attack, the owner may still be liable for the costs associated with medical treatment, lost wages, and even emotional trauma.
Even the smallest dog bite could lead to infection, while larger dogs have been known to accidentally kill or maim their victim. Here are a few of the more common dog bite injuries in Arizona.
Infection
Rabies is a commonly known infection spread by feral animals, including dogs. While it is possible to contract rabies from a dog bite, other infections are far more likely.
Dogs carry a wide variety of unhealthy bacteria in their mouths. Untreated dog wounds can lead to sickness and other uncomfortable infections. Those that are diabetic or suffering from a compromised immune system are especially susceptible to infection from dog bites.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, wash the wound immediately and apply an antibiotic cream. You should see a doctor as soon as possible to make sure that the dog did not transfer a dangerous infection to you.
Some dog bite infections must be treated preemptively. The more serious ones—if left untreated—will produce grave symptoms that can be difficult to treat later on.
Punctures
Canine teeth are both equipped to crush and to tear. As a result, wounds from a dog bite are often jagged and ugly.
Depending on the severity of the attack, there could be tremendous blood loss and deep wounds that leave scars. If this is the case, you should have someone call an ambulance for you immediately.
Broken Bones
Sometimes large, aggressive dogs will target the face. It is not uncommon to suffer broken bones in the process of these attacks.
While it is a bit more rare for a dog to break a larger bone, such as in the arm or leg, it is possible.
Nerve Damage
If the attack was prolonged or involved significantly deep bites, victims can suffer from long-term nerve damage. This is especially common for victims of dog bites that have been attacked in the face.
While being examined by a doctor after the incident, you should have your physician check for nerve damage in the bite area and around it.
Injuries While Evading
It is not just dog bites that can cause serious injury. Sometimes, people trying to evade or escape the attacking dog injure themselves.
These kinds of injuries need to be documented and treated as soon as possible. If the injuries are serious, you may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit on the basis of the dog’s owner not properly training and securing the dog.
For the dog’s benefit, the state of Arizona does not require a dog to be put down after the first bite. However, there is no “free bite” policy in Arizona. Therefore—regardless of whether or not this is the dog’s first offense—if a dog bites you, you collect.
That’s why you should consult an attorney immediately if you or someone you love is injured by a dog bite. You may be eligible for compensation.
For more information about how a personal injury attorney can help you with your dog bite case, contact Ray Arenofsky at 480-345-0444 or visit our website.
