What are the Long-term Implications of a Dog Bite?

A dog attack is scary, traumatic, and physically damaging. If you are a victim of an attack by a dog you are likely not only suffering pain and need medical attention but you may also be afflicted with significant psychological harm. There are more than 78 million dogs living in homes across the United States. Close to five million bites will take place yearly in our country and over 800,000 individuals will need medical care as a result. 

When you have been the victim of an Arizona dog bite, you can recoup compensation for your damages. Enlisting the help of an Arizona dog bite attorney increases your chances of obtaining the most compensation possible to help you with your medical care and other associated losses. The state of Arizona gives rights to victims of dog bites to pursue compensation for the long-term impact of their attack experience and their resulting injuries.

What Complications Can a Dog Bite Victim Face?

Dogs’ mouths are brimming with bacteria and when they bite, that bacteria can get into the wound and cause infection for the victim.  A study was done in 2003 that compared bacteria found in the wounds of dog-bite victims with the bacteria from samples of dog saliva to figure out what bacteria-caused infections in humans. The result of the study concluded that Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pasteurella multocida, Moraxella spp., Pasteurella canis, in addition to Enterobacter cloacae were to blame. If you are bitten by a dog it is critical that you seek medical treatment immediately. Delaying treatment increases your risk of painful infections.

Symptoms of infection from an Arizona dog bite include:

• Redness
• Swelling at the site of the bite
• Pus and discharge at the wite of the bite
• Persistent pain
• Warmth at the site of the bite
• Fever

In addition to infection of your wounds, there are also other implications that can result from a dog bite. Broken or damaged bones, destruction of nerves, and muscle tears can also occur. As the wound heals, a victim may also experience visible and permanent scarring. Depending on how severe the bite is, disfigurement which could also transpire. In some situations, a victim may need surgery to repair the damage from the bite.

Beyond the physical damage, victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder from the incident. When this takes place, the victim will be ravaged by fear, anxiety, stress, nightmares, depression, and inability to sleep. It isn’t just the victim who can experience psychological trauma from an attack, bystanders who witness the event can also be affected by what they saw. Both bystanders and victims can become fearful and have a life-long dread when near animals. Children who are bitten by a dog may develop a phobia for dogs. This can cause reverberating symptoms such as regression, mood swings, outbursts, and emotional issues.

When Should You Speak with an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney?

Don’t delay in obtaining legal representation when you have been the victim of a dog attack. The Phoenix dog bite attorneys at ELG will help you with your personal injury claim. Call the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at ELG today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.