Dog Bites Can Cause Much More than Cuts and Bruises

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates1 that about four and one-half million people are injured by dog bites every year. Generally speaking, dog bites are associated with injuries like cuts, scratches, bruises, or others that often result from contact with an animal’s teeth. While it is certainly true that many dog bites result in these kinds of injuries, they can also result in others, many of which may come as a surprise to people unfamiliar with dog bite law. Some of the more common are discussed below.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD2 is a disorder that can affect people who have been through a frightening or dangerous event. While it is commonly associated with soldiers who have been through combat, it can arise from virtually any event that causes significant emotional stress, like a car accident or dog bite. People who develop PTSD often experience flashbacks of the event, have bad dreams, and uncontrollable frightening thoughts. In many cases, PTSD symptoms can be disruptive and prevent people from going to work, school, or engaging in activities which they once enjoyed.

Infection

Contrary to what you may have heard, dogs’ mouths are not “cleaner than ours.” In reality, they contain millions of harmful bacteria, and nearly one in five dog bites results in infection. Infections can require intensive medical care, treatment with antibiotics, and have even been known to result in the loss of extremities or limbs, in extreme cases.

General Emotional Injuries

Many dog bite victims experience significant emotional injuries that can affect their lives on a daily basis. For example, if you are bitten by a dog, you may develop a fear of dogs that prevents you from going to certain places or engaging in activities that you once enjoyed. Likewise, if a dog bite results in a significant scarring or other disfiguring injury, it can often result in feelings of anxiety and depression. Under Michigan law, emotional injuries are compensable, so you should always be sure to make note of any issues that you experience after a dog bite.

Call a Eia & Ponto Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you have been attacked by a dog and sustained injuries, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call Firm of Eia today at  (855)75-EPLAW or contact us online.