Dogs are “man’s best friend” but without proper training and socialization, their hyperactivity and protective instincts can lead to dangerous interactions with their human counterparts.
According to the Center for Disease Control, hundreds of thousands of people seek emergency medical care after dog attacks in the U.S. each year, and many of those cases require significant follow-up treatment.
Physical trauma
Even a small canine has a strong bite force that can do significant damage to soft tissue and bone. Apart from infection and disease, some of the long-term physical difficulties that follow a dog bite injury may include:
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Limb amputation
- Mobility problems or paralysis
- Nerve damage
Dog bite victims may need extensive courses of physical therapy and medication to mitigate or overcome physical pain stemming from an animal attack.
Emotional impact
Depending on the circumstances of the event, a dog attack can have serious emotional consequences. Many victims experience life-long struggles with conditions such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fear of dogs
Mental trauma is often more difficult to overcome than physical injury. Long after broken bones and lacerations heal, anger and sadness may linger. Victims may require months or years of psychotherapy or counseling after a dog bite in order to return to a normal routine.
If you are a victim of a dog bite, you deserve to feel whole again. It is important to understand your rights when seeking compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you suffer as a result of your personal injury.