Common Injuries for a Dog Bite and What They Mean for a Claim

Dog bite incidents are shockingly common across the USA. Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that almost 1000 people are treated for injuries sustained in dog attacks daily. Although dog bite fatality rates are fairly low, the potential for serious injury is all too high.

The types and extent of injuries vary depending on the circumstances of the attack, the age of the victim, and the kind of dog- but there are some that stand out as the most likely.

Here is an overview of the most common injuries for a dog bite- as well as the most common impacts these types of attacks have on victims. Our team can discuss common injuries for a slip and fall as well.

The Most Common Dog Bite Injuries in Missouri

Most dog bites result in at least minor injuries, but some can have devastating consequences. No matter how significant an injury is, victims should always seek medical attention and contact a personal injury attorney to seek justice and compensation for their damages and suffering.

Skin Wounds and Soft Tissue Damage

Almost every bite wound causes some level of soft tissue damage. Puncture wounds and lacerations are amongst the most common.

A laceration cuts the skin and soft tissues, causing bleeding and possible scarring. Depending on the severity of a dog bite laceration, skin can be ripped and require stitches. Puncture wounds happen when teeth cause deep wounds, which are particularly susceptible to infection but leave less significant scarring.

The most severe type of soft tissue injuries caused by dog attacks are called avulsions. This is when skin and muscles are torn away, which can leave victims disfigured.

Arm Injuries

Many dog bites are sustained on the arms when people try to protect their faces. Arms can sustain severe lacerations and puncture wounds, as detailed above, as well as some of the more serious injuries listed below.

It is also possible to break or fracture an arm during a fall caused by a dog, even if there is no bite wound. If a person injures themselves preventing a dog bite, they could still have a claim.

Hand Injuries

Like arm injuries, many hand injuries are sustained during attempts to stop a dog attack. Puncture wounds are amongst the most common- caused by a dog's teeth sinking into the delicate tissue on the hand.

People often lose the skin on their fingers when trying to remove their hand from the dog's mouth- and some may lose a finger, or fingers, entirely. Nerve damage and broken bones are also common hand injuries for dog bites.

Face and Neck Injuries

Unfortunately, an alarming number of dog bite wounds are sustained on the face and neck- particularly in attacks from pets to their owners. Some of the most devastating injuries include severe neck punctures and facial injuries- including the removal of facial features such as the nose, lips, cheeks, and ears. Extensive reconstructive surgery is often required following these types of injuries.

Neck injuries can be devastating because of excessive blood loss. If a dog's jaw locks onto a person's neck, it can do traumatic damage to vocal cords, muscle tissue, and arteries.

Nerve Damage

Bite wounds can cause nerve damage to almost any part of the body. Some of the most common places to suffer nerve damage include the hands, forearms, and the face. If the force of the bite or edges of the teeth crush or sever nerves, the victim can have lasting dexterity struggles and muscle spasms.

Broken Bones

When dogs bite, they can do so with great force. This force can break- or even crush- bones, especially arms. Jaw chomping is a term given to attacks where dogs lock their jaws mid-attack. The powerful muscles in their jaws are strong enough to cause serious damage to the bones of attack victims.

Head Trauma

Although very few dog bite attacks are aimed at a person's head, head and brain trauma can happen if people are knocked to the ground during the attack. This is, tragically, most common in children- who account for half of all dog bite victims.

Amputations

Some of the most severe dog bites can lead to amputation of limbs- most commonly arms. If the tissue damage is too severe for surgical repair, amputation can be the best solution to prevent infection and save the victim's life.

Such injuries are not commonplace, but they do happen. A severe bite that severs underlying tissues and crushes bone can certainly carry the possibility of an amputation.

Dog Bites and Jaw Chomping

Jaw chomping is the term applied to when dogs lock their jaw in place. A dog's jaw is designed to have a vice-like grip, which can be extremely difficult to release. Above, there are details of many types of injuries- all of which are likely to be more severe if jaw chomping occurs. For more information, the best dog bite attorney in St Louis MO may be able to help.

Statistics suggest that close to one in three US dog bite injuries treated in hospitals are related to jaw chomping during the attack. Sadly, the results are often devastating. They account for most dog bite amputations and avulsions, and can easily be fatal in attacks on children.

Common Lasting Impacts of Dog Bites

It is not just the immediate effects of animal bite injuries that can cause immense suffering for victims. In many cases, the long-term consequences of the injuries (and the attack itself) change people's lives forever.

Here are some of the most common long-term impacts of dog bites and how they may affect victims.

Scarring

Scarring is the most common lasting result of a dog bite. Canine teeth are sharp and can quickly traumatize soft tissues, and even the more minor injuries can leave permanent marks. Dog bite scars come in all shapes and sizes, and can damage a person's mental health and confidence.

PTSD

Many victims of dog attacks suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The circumstances surrounding all animal bites are inherently traumatic- whether the attacks come from familiar dogs or strange ones. It is very common for people to have nightmares and feel scared around animals.

Counseling is available- and highly recommended- for all dog bite survivors and family members of those who have been attacked. Dog owners whose animal attacks someone else may also experience symptoms of PTSD.

Infections

The risk of infection from dog and cat bites is dangerously high. Dog bite wounds can easily become infected due to the bacteria found in the saliva and around a dog's mouth- especially if victims do not seek medical attention quickly.

A normal infection can result in redness, swelling, and mild fever.

There is also the risk of severe infection- especially from a dog bite by an infected dog. Tetanus, rabies, and sepsis are all possible infections, which can lead to serious consequences- possibly even death. While disease control efforts minimize these risks, not every animal is vaccinated. Immediate medical attention is essential following any associated symptoms.

Disfigurement

Facial injuries are, unfortunately, very common in dog attacks. Avulsions (when soft tissue is torn away) often leave people without certain facial features. Even with advanced plastic surgery options, permanent disfiguration is a likely outcome.

The physical consequences of facial disfiguration pale in comparison to the emotional injuries and impact on the quality of life that many victims face. It can also cause lasting pain, and require subsequent surgeries throughout their life.

Disabilities

More severe cases of dog bites can leave victims with permanent disabilities- ranging from nerve damage to life as an amputee. Life changes significantly for those who lose limbs or lose the use of limbs, due to severe bone or nerve damage sustained in dog attacks.

Head injuries sustained in dog attacks can also lead to disabilities- including vision impairment, speech problems, and more.

Treatment and Recovery for Dog Bite Injuries

It is vital for all dog bite victims to seek professional medical attention for their injuries- even if they appear superficial. Serious infection is a real risk with dog bites, and it only takes a small break in the skin for something dangerous to take hold.

Dog bite injuries may require nothing more than stitches and antibiotics- or they can require extensive surgeries and life-long physical therapy. The medical treatment a victim must undergo has a direct impact on any settlement amount or court-ordered compensation claim.

Dog Bite Injuries and Personal Injury Claims

Victims of dog bite attacks in Missouri can claim compensation for their injuries and subsequent suffering. Navigating the legal waters of a personal injury claim can be complex, but it is important to seek justice for trauma- and financial compensation for related damages.

Who Can Claim Compensation for a Dog Attack?

Any person bitten by a dog that belongs to someone else may be eligible to claim compensation. It comes down to negligence. Victims must be able to show that another party (usually the animal's owner) was negligent in some way- and could have avoided the incident had they been adequately performing their duty of care.

Dog bites come under personal injury law and require the same basic elements to be able to pursue a claim. These are:

• Proof of duty of care: Show that someone was responsible for keeping the animal under control.

• Proof of breached duty of care: Show that the responsible party was negligent in some way.

• Proof of causation: Show that the negligence caused the incident.

• Proof of damages: Show that damages were suffered as a result.

In simpler terms, dog bite victims must base their case on the fact that a dog's owner did or did not do something that made it possible for their pet to attack. They must also show that they were injured in the process.

Missouri is a comparative fault state, which means a victim can still claim compensation from a dog's owner even if they are partially to blame. The overall compensation amount will be adjusted based on the percentage of fault they hold.

A parent or legally appointed guardian can make a claim on behalf of a child who has been attacked by a dog.

What Can Dog Bite Victims Claim For?

Exactly what a person can claim depends on the specifics of their dog bite incidence. That said, the general categories of compensation are the same.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the expenses related to an injury. This includes medical bills, emergency treatment, lost wages, the cost of ongoing physical therapy, travel expenses for doctor appointments, and more.

Victims can include all these expenses in compensation claims against the dog owner or other responsible party. There is no cap on economic damages in Missouri.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover the things that don't come with a receipt. Victims can pursue compensation for the mental and emotional distress caused by the attack- as well as the long-term impact the trauma and injuries have on their quality of life. The amount of compensation awarded for the intangible damages in a dog bite claim is calculated based on the nature and severity of the injuries and the impact they are likely to have long term.

Missouri law caps non-economic damages in personal injury claims at $100,000, but there is no cap if the dog bite victim was fatally injured.

Contact Passionate Personal Injury Lawyers in St Louis, Missouri, who Fight for Dog Bite Injury Victims

From superficial wounds to amputation, bog bite injuries are incredibly varied. No matter how minor or severe an injury, the emotional injuries and trauma that come with it should not go unanswered.

If you or your loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, you deserve a legal team that will fight for justice and fair compensation for your suffering. Our team can also share insight on common injuries for a workplace accident.

Powell Law Firm is a leading team of personal injury attorneys in St Louis, Missouri, with a proven track record of winning maximum settlements for dog bite victims. Contact our dedicated and experienced dog attack lawyers today to arrange a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step to financial recovery after a traumatic incident.