With the weather increasingly getting nicer outside, and people spending more time at home, dogs are enjoying the benefit of getting out for more walks. However, more dogs outdoors can lead to more dog bite related injuries, especially if there is negligence on the owner’s behalf. Though a number of these injuries can purely result from accidents, more often than not, dog bites and the injuries that come from them can be prevented. If a pet is off leash, or reacts aggressively unprovoked, the owner should be taking proper precautions to prevent potential injuries to others. If these actions are not taken, however, and you experience a personal injury due to their dog, you may have a case.

Prevalence of Dog Bites

Dog bites may not seem like a tremendous problem, simply because they are not discussed as often as other personal injuries, such as car accidents or slip and falls. However, approximately 1000 people every day in the United States experience a dog bite that results in an injury serious enough to seek out medical attention. Overall, there are around 4.5 million individuals who are bitten by dogs each year, and though not all of these injuries sustained are serious enough to go to the emergency room, it is an unprecedented number that highlights an underlying problem: negligent owners.

Injuries From Dog Bites

There are many kinds of injuries that can be sustained from a dog bite. All of these injuries can vary in severity, and a single dog bite can result in multiple different types. Let’s take a look at some of the injuries that can occur.

• Lacerations: deep cuts or tears in the skin
• Abrasions: scrapes in the skin
• Loss of tissue
• Puncture wounds
• Broken bones
• Crushed bones
• Muscle or ligament sprains and strains
• Infections
• Scars

These can have long-lasting physical effects, such as permanent injuries or scarring, and even needing extensive physical therapy or surgeries in some circumstances. They can also lead to psychological problems, such as PTSD. Regardless of how severe the initial injury is, there can be lingering effects.

Do You Have a Case?

If you have experienced a dog bite that led to a personal injury, and you believe that it was due to a negligent owner, you may have a case. In order to prove fault, as well as take the work off of your plate so you can focus on healing, it may be time to get an attorney. Contact our team or experts today.