Dog attacks can cause several complications and can even lead to death. The pressure exerted by a dog’s teeth can harm the tissues under the skin, even if the teeth do not break the skin. Muscles, bones, blood vessels, and nerves may be affected by dog bites.
It is important to seek medical help immediately if a canine bites you. Early medical intervention can reduce the risk of a serious bacterial infection. Some dog bites can be severe, requiring emergency medical assistance.
If you have been seriously injured due to a dog bite, you must call someone for help. Delaying medical treatment can worsen the injuries and make them more severe. If the dog that bit you was not properly vaccinated, their bites can be especially harmful. Dog owners have a duty to protect others from their pets, even if the dog has not displayed aggressive tendencies in the past.
A number of injuries occur when a negligent dog owner fails to safely train or lock up their dog and the dog bites someone. A dog is a man’s best friend, but dog attacks by breeds who have been bred for aggression can be very dangerous.
Let us take a look at the statistics to understand how prevalent dog bite injuries are in the United States.
Facts About Dog Bite Incidents
- According to Statista, there were more than 89 million dogs in the U.S. in 2017.
- 63 million households own at least one dog.
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States in 2019.
- Out of these cases, around 800,000 people required medical treatment and hospitalization.
- Children 5 years of age or younger are the most affected group that suffers injuries.
- The Canine Journal reports that 1 out of every 73 people suffered from a dog bite in 2019.
- According to 2018 National Plastic Surgery Statistics, around 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery after getting bitten by a dog.
Dog Bite Statistics clearly reveal how prevalent dog bites are in this country. It is crucial to get medical help as soon as possible to avoid the risk of complications. The data even shows that children are the most affected groups. A minor injury can affect their emotional well-being for the rest of their lives. Physical scarring and post-traumatic stress disorder are common for people who have experienced a dog bite, especially children. It is necessary to protect them by taking crucial steps.
List of 5 Common Issues
Many of us consider dogs as a part of our family. There are instances where dogs who never displayed aggressive tendencies suddenly bite. In some cases, certain breeds, like Chow Chow, German Shepherd, etc., are more apt to be dangerous and attack due to either genetics or training. Injuries can range from mild cuts and bruises to serious bacterial infections, scarring, and amputation. The following are some of the most common injuries that people experience:
- Lacerations – Lacerations are deep cuts that may go past the blood vessels and nerves of your body. They can lead to excessive bleeding, which can be harmful. Stitches may be required to heal the wound properly. Victims should seek proper medical attention to ensure the wound is cleaned and properly dressed.
- Abrasions – Unlike lacerations, these are more superficial injuries that do not break the epidermis (i.e. skin). Therefore, while they may not lead to excessive bleeding, they can lead to infection and scarring. Many people think that these can be easily treated at home but you should never take a canine bite lightly. You should immediately contact your healthcare provider and get proper treatment. You should also contact a reputable personal injury lawyer to take necessary legal steps. They will assist you with filing a claim against the negligent pet owner and help you recover monetary damages for your losses.
- Infections – The bacteria in a dog’s mouth can lead to serious infections. You can also get an infection because of the germs or bacteria present on your skin. Therefore, it is necessary that you always clean the area of the wound. Pain, swelling, headache, diarrhea, and redness are common signs of an infected bite wound. The site of the wound may also feel warm to touch. If you are experiencing any such symptoms, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Puncture wounds – These types of wounds penetrate or puncture your skin. Although these wounds may not cause much bleeding, it is necessary to seek a medical professional’s help. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of developing a dangerous infection. Therefore, the first step that you should take after experiencing a dog bite injury is to contact a medical professional for help.
- Rabies – Rabies is one of the most critical infections that can develop after a bite. It is a deadly virus that is transmitted from infected animals to humans. It affects the central nervous system and can lead to death.
You must ask the dog owner about the dog’s vaccination history. If the dog has not been vaccinated, it can raise the risk of other potential injuries or illness. You should immediately head to the emergency room or urgent care if you are unsure about the dog’s vaccination history. You can also consider filing a lawsuit against the negligent dog owner.
The law allows you to recover compensation for injuries and losses suffered due to another’s reckless or careless acts. A knowledgeable attorney can help you prove the negligence of the dog owner.
You can get in touch with a reputable Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer. Having legal assistance will make the process much easier for you.
They will handle all the communications and legal paperwork for you. The experienced professionals will also file legal claims on time before the statute of limitations expires, which will increase the chances of getting maximum compensation.