The Most Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries range from moderate to severe, with some causing permanent damage. Every dog bite should be taken seriously, as infections are also a risk. There is also the emotional trauma that comes from a dog bite. A Nashville dog bite attorney from Selvidge Injury Law can help you recover compensation. Consider the most common dog bite injuries and their impact on your future.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

The following are some of the most common nonfatal dog bite injuries:

• Lacerations to soft tissues
• Nerve damage in the bite area
• Head trauma from falls
• Loss of eye or vision
• Fractures to bones or dislocation
• Scarring from dog bite
• Tendon damage leading to mobility issues
• Infection complications
• Disfigurement due to amputation
• Back and neck injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder onset

Facial injuries and lacerations to the arms and hands tend to be some of the most common, as often times people use their hands and arms to deflect or defend against an attacking dog. More so, dog bites can be very deep, causing serious penetration into the soft tissues, impacting muscle function, nerves, tendons, and even the bones in the bite area.

Dog Bite Injuries Common Cause of Emergency Room Visits

Any of the above types of injuries warrant a trip to the emergency room. Fast action may prevent some of the damage or infection from occurring. Data indicates that, on average, over 337,000 people visit an emergency department each year for dog bites. Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association also shares that 466,000 additional people are seen in a standard office visit or urgent care for dog bites each year.

Dog Bites Can Lead to Death

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that, from 2011 to 2021, 468 people died from either being bitten by a dog or being struck by a dog. Dog bite deaths may be attributed to a variety of factors, including loss of blood, damage to critical areas, such as internal organs, spread of infection leading to sepsis, and heart-related events.

Common Dog Bite Injuries Cause Serious Emotional Impact

It is also critical to consider that, in nearly all situations, a dog bite can create a serious mental health impact. The trauma of these types of events, especially to those completely unsuspecting of the attack, such as children, will lead to ongoing emotional stress and trauma, impacting a person’s quality of life and leading to complications in day-to-day functions.

Emotional trauma is a very real injury associated with dog bites. It can cause a person to struggle with being around other dogs or may lead to risks associated with the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder. Most importantly, this type of trauma often benefits from seeing a medical professional as well as a mental health professional.

Those hurt by any type of dog bite, no matter how severe, should seek medical care immediately. Then, seek out the help of a local dog bite attorney in Nashville for guidance in determining what your legal rights are to hold the owner responsible for the injuries caused by their dog. Contact Selvidge Injury Law for immediate help in your case at a free consultation.