Dog Bite Injuries After a Dog Attack: A Comprehensive Guide to The Incidence of Dog Bite Wounds, Dog Attack Injuries and Rabies in Maryland
According to the Maryland Department of Health, wild animals, such as foxes, raccoons, bats, and groundhogs. frequently are rabid, and also make up a large number of animal bites. Rabies are associated with dogs, cats, and farm animals that aren’t vaccinated as well. Likewise, dog attack injuries may pose additional risks if the dog is infected.
Rabies Vaccinations Used to Prevent Dog Attack Fatalities
A rabid dog’s saliva can pass rabies to a human after a dog attack. Therefore, it’s important to receive immediate medical care if you’re a dog attack victim. Not only can your wounds become infected, but the disease is almost always a common reason for a fatal dog bite fatality.
The American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes the need to vaccinate dogs for rabies to reduce the deaths involved in a dog bite event.
Minor injuries can even figure into fatal dog attacks in the United States if an infection sets in.
Common Injuries Suffered in Dog Bite Attacks and What to Do If You’re Injured by Dog Bite
When bite injuries occur, some can be quite serious, as a dog can bite down from 75 pounds per square inch (from a small dog) to as much as 700 psi for a large dog. Therefore, an injury following a dog bite is not something to take lightly, as dogs strike with their teeth and claws.
As a result, injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms due to this type of assault are numerous. In fact, human attacks in the United States from dogs easily increase emergency department visits annually.
Dogs involved in fatal human attacks normally are Pitbulls and Rottweilers. However, when any dog has been involved in an assault, they can do some real damage.
For instance, children often need medical intervention for dog bites, as they are often bitten on the face because of their small size. Therefore, they are frequently treated for facial injuries or even emotional injuries over time. As a result, they are at an increased risk of dog bite-related accidents.
When these types of injuries occur, you need to contact a dog bite attorney, as the wounds may lead to permanent disfigurement.
Again, children are more likely to be at risk to have bites treated, as they often don’t know a dog may bite if you pull its tail, or do anything, even if it’s playful, to make it feel threatened.
Injuries Due to Dog Bites
A dog causes a range of injuries when it strikes, and many lead victims to get treated in hospital emergency departments after canine attacks. The common injuries due to a dog bite accident include:
-
Lacerations
These are deep cuts or tears in the skin. Dog bites commonly cause lacerations due to sharp teeth penetrating deep into the flesh. These injuries can be painful and may require stitches to heal properly. Some of these wounds may lead to face scarring.
-
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds occur when a dog’s teeth pierce the skin, creating a small but deep hole. These wounds are particularly prone to infections because bacteria from the dog’s mouth can get deep into the tissue.
-
Infections
Injuries from dog bites can lead to serious infections such as tetanus or rabies. Victims need to seek treatment immediately to clean the wound and possibly start antibiotics or other necessary treatments.
Disease control and prevention of infections make it imperative that you always receive prompt follow-up medical care.
Some dogs may not have received the proper veterinary care, especially if a stray dog strikes, thereby making medical attention for dog bites a necessity.
Incidence and Statistics
Dog bite accidents are more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control, millions of people are bitten by dogs each year, with a significant number requiring medical treatment.
Therefore, the likelihood of being bitten, or the deaths due to dog incidents, is fairly high. As a result, dog bites can cause some major public health issues in the U.S.
For instance, in the United States alone, about 4.5 million dog bites occur annually, and approximately 800,000 of these bites result in medical care. This highlights the importance of understanding dog behavior and taking preventive measures to avoid such incidents.
State and Local Laws: Dog Ownership and Responsibility
Each state and many localities have their own laws that dictate the responsibilities of dog parents. These laws often cover licensing, leashing, and requirements for handling dogs known to be dangerous.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws specific to your area, as they directly influence what constitutes unlawful behavior by a dog owner in the event a dog bites without provocation.
Liability and Negligence
In most cases, the dog’s owner is liable if their pet assaults someone. However, proving liability may involve demonstrating the owner’s negligence.
Negligence is determined if the owner knew the dog had a tendency to be dangerous and did not take proper precautions to prevent the dog from harming others. An owner failing to follow local leash laws or knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely are examples of negligence.
Legal Steps To Take After a Dog Bite Accident
After a bite accident, it is important to take several legal steps promptly:
-
Receive Medical Intervention
Document your injuries through medical records, as they are critical for any further legal action that is due to a dog attack.
-
Report the Incident
File a report with your local animal control or police department to officially document the occurrence.
-
Gather Evidence
Collect names and contact information of witnesses, and take photos of your injuries and the location where the attack occurred.
-
Consult a Lawyer
Speak with an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases to understand your rights and the potential for compensation.
Taking these steps can significantly strengthen your case should you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Remember, dealing with the legal aftermath of a dog bite accident is complex. Therefore, having the right information and legal support can make all the difference.
Immediate Actions After a Dog Bite Accident
-
Immediate Safety and Medical Care
In the moments following a dog bite accident, your first priority should be your safety and health. Move away from the dog to a secure location to prevent further injuries.
Immediately check for wounds and apply basic first aid—clean minor cuts with water and apply pressure to stop any bleeding. For serious injuries, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
-
Documenting the Incident
Once you are safe, it’s important to document the incident thoroughly. Use your smartphone or camera to take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog, if possible. This visual evidence can be used to support legal and insurance claims.
-
Gathering Evidence
If there were any witnesses to the attack, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can provide additional details and support your account of the incident. Also, preserve any torn clothing or damaged personal items, as they can serve as evidence in your case.
Medical Care and Documentation
-
Medical Care and First Aid
After a dog attack, immediately clean all wounds with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Apply antiseptic cream and cover the area with a sterile bandage. Because dogs attack with their teeth, both the risk of rabies and infections exist.
For deep wounds. or if there is uncontrollable bleeding, seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is wise to visit a healthcare provider to check for less obvious damage like nerve or tissue injuries. Medical care for dog bites should always be a priority.
-
Documenting for Legal and Insurance Purposes
Every medical visit, treatment, and outcome related to the dog bite incident should be documented. Ask your healthcare provider to detail the extent of your injuries and the treatments provided. Keep copies of all medical records, receipts, and prescriptions.
This documentation is vital for insurance claims and any legal action. It provides a clear, professional account of your injuries and the treatment process, which can significantly impact the compensation you might receive.
Preventing Dog Bites and Injuries Caused by Dogs
Dog owners may be held liable for a bite or injuries if their dog pounces without provocation.
As a dog parent, you can prevent your dog from pouncing by making sure you keep your dog well socialized, or making sure you put your dog in a confined area. When injuries happen, you need to make sure the victim’s care needs are met. Seek help right away.
Therefore, keeping dogs on a leash in public places and making sure they are secured to prevent dog bite-related accidents is vital.
Dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers, should be muzzled if they are likely to bite someone or if you know they may bite another dog in public. Just make sure the muzzle fits well and doesn’t cause the animal discomfort.
The public should avoid approaching an unfamiliar or new dog, especially when they are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Even a canine, which is considered a nonfatal dog, can become a bite risk in these instances.
It’s also important to teach children how to safely interact with dogs, emphasizing the need to ask for permission before touching any dog and that a dog will bite if they feel threatened or are feeling sick.
Pursuing a Legal Claim
-
Initiating a Legal Claim
If you have been bitten and need to seek medical help, starting a legal claim involves several steps. First, make sure your medical care is properly documented.
As noted, collect information from witnesses and take photos of the scene if possible. Then, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. Your attorney will help you gather evidence and file the necessary paperwork to initiate your claim.
-
Potential Compensation
Victims of dog bite incidents may be entitled to various types of dog bite compensation. This can include medical expenses for treatment of the injuries, lost wages if the injuries prevent you from working, and compensation for pain and suffering. In severe cases, you might also receive compensation for long-term care and rehabilitation.
-
The Role of Your Attorney
An attorney can help you with the complexities of a dog bite legal claim. They will handle all communications with insurance companies and the dog owner’s legal representatives.
Your attorney will advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation. They will also guide you through the legal process, from filing the claim to negotiating settlements or representing you in court, if necessary.
By understanding these preventive measures and knowing how to pursue a legal claim, you can better protect yourself and your community from dog bite injuries and seek justice if an attack occurs.
Do You Have Dog Bite Injuries Suffered in a Bite Accident? | Contact the Dog Bite Lawyers at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky in Pikesville, Maryland Now
If you have been hurt, or a loved one was killed by dog bite-related injuries, we encourage you to seek legal advice from an experienced dog bite lawyer to fully understand and exercise your rights.
At the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and provide you with the best possible legal strategies. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Ensuring your rights are protected is our top priority.
