A dog bite can be one of the most horrific injuries that anyone can suffer from. Besides the physical harm that a dog bite can inflict, it can leave a victim emotionally impaired, nervous and/or fearful, and ashamed due to permanent scars. If you or someone you love has suffered from a dog bite or dog attack in the Chicago area, then you may be able to recover damages with the help of a Chicago dog bite attorney.
Some Common Dog Bite Injuries
Some common injuries that can result from a dog bite or attack include:
- Puncture wounds
- Loss of body tissue
- Crushed bones or organs
- Sprains
- Scars
- Infections such as rabies, cellulitis, and C canimorsus
- Disability
- Deformity
Victims of dog bites to the face should be examined for any signs of nerve damage. Furthermore, an infection from a dog bite can sometimes result in a victim’s death. Therefore, it is important to get treatment immediately after a dog attack. Any medical expenses may be recovered through your personal injury claim.
Receiving Treatment
The first priority after a dog attack is to protect the victim from infection. By properly treating the wound, a physician can prevent sepsis, osteomyelitis, tenosynovitis, and septic arthritis. The physician must also find out if there is a possibility that the dog had rabies, and if so, treat the victim preventatively. It is also important to know whether the victim had the proper tetanus shots.
A dog bite to the face or neck may require special consideration. A hemorrhage of vessels in the neck can result in the victim’s death. In fact, most deaths that result from dog bite injuries are due this type of hemorrhage.
If there is heavily damaged body tissue, it may have to be cut away. Sometimes this tissue may be reattached by grafting, or replaced with tissue from other parts of the victim’s body. This may require various stages of reconstructive surgery.
Common Consequences of Dog Attacks
One of the most common consequences of a dog bite is the possibility of permanent scars. If the wounds bleed, then chances are that the victim will be left with some amount of scarring. While small scars will usually fade away with time, large scars can be disfiguring and/or painful. These may be treated by dermabrasion, pressure scar modification, or surgical excision. Oftentimes a victim will use make-up to cover up a dog bite scar.
Another common consequence of a Chicago dog bite is post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can affect a victim for a long time after a traumatic event. A sign of PTSD is noticeable changes in the victim’s behavior. They may act depressed, nervous, fearful, or behave differently toward their friends and family. To treat post traumatic stress disorder, a victim should begin going to therapy with an expert in treating PTSD.
A third common consequence for dog bite victims is a serious fear of dogs. This fear can have a significant effect on the rest of a victim’s life and may also be a symptom of PTSD. If their fear becomes a full-blown phobia, it can affect the victim’s daily activities, their choices in life, and their relationships.
If you or someone you know suffers from any of these dog bite consequences, you should get the professional help of a Chicago dog bite lawyer. A lawyer can help you explore your legal options after sustaining serious injuries in a dog attack.
You may be able to recover damages for things such as:
- Medical expenses
- Cosmetic surgery
- Psychological counseling
- Emotional distress due scars
- The loss of past, present, and future wages
Hiring an Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer
You should be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injuries, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an injury alone.
When you have the help of a trusted Chicago dog bite lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080
