When a dog bites or attacks a person, it can cause a wide variety of injuries. Although you may be eligible to claim compensation following a dog bite, the nature of your injuries will have an impact on how much compensation you receive.
For people who have been injured by dog bites, it’s important to know what type of harm can be included in your claim. To learn more, take a look at these five common dog bite injuries an attorney can help you receive compensation for:
1. Puncture Wounds
When a dog’s teeth break your skin, it creates a puncture wound. This type of injury can be moderate or severe, depending on the ferocity of the attack. However, any puncture wound, however minor, has the potential to get infected, which can cause further complications.
2. Torn Ligaments and Tendons
Ligaments and tendons connect muscle tissue to the skeleton and any injury to them can be painful and debilitating. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be required to reattach the ligament or tendon, for example. In addition to this, patients may require physiotherapy to regain control of the affected muscles.
3. Nerve Damage
A dog bite can penetrate deeply, which means nerve damage isn’t an uncommon occurrence. If a nerve is severed, the individual may lose motor control of the affected area. While some nerve injuries can be treated and repaired, others can cause long-term damage.
4. Scarring
Even with the best treatment and swift medical action, dog bites may leave permanent scars. For many people, visible scarring has an impact on their confidence levels and may make them feel self-conscious, particularly if the scarring is present on highly visible areas, such as the face and neck.
5. Broken Bones
Some people are surprised to learn that dog bites can cause broken bones, but this is actually a fairly common consequence. A dog’s jaw is extremely powerful and is often capable of crushing a person’s bones. When this happens, a complex break may occur. If so, pins and metal structures may be needed to rebuild the bone, which means one or more surgeries will be necessary.
Claiming Compensation for Your Injuries
As you can see, there are many different types of injuries that can be caused by a dog bite. When making a claim for compensation, it’s important that all of your injuries are included. This will ensure that you receive a fair and appropriate amount of compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained.
Additionally, the practical impact of your injuries will affect how much compensation you receive. If you’re unable to work for months while you’re recovering, for example, you should be able to include the cost of lost earnings in your claim.
Getting Legal Advice After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. By talking to a reputable personal injury attorney, you can determine whether you’re eligible to make a claim. If so, your lawyer will be able to help you get your claim underway and work on your behalf to obtain compensation for your injuries.
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