Nobody ever expects they will be bitten by a dog. However, these incidents happen more often than most people realize. Dogs are arguably the most popular pets in the United States, and it is inevitable that injuries will occur. At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, our dog bite attorneys want to discuss these incidents and the importance of receiving medical care after a bite occurs. We have the experience necessary to help dog bite victims recover the compensation they need.
You Need To Seek Medical Assistance for a Dog Bite
Every year in this country, there are around 4.7 million dog bites. While not all of these incidents require medical care, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that nearly one out of every five dog bite victims requires medical assistance.
Dogs have very powerful jaws, and their bites can cause serious injuries. This can include significant soft tissue damage and lacerations, often leading to disfigurement and a loss of mobility. Dogs have also caused broken bones and even amputations, particularly of the fingers. Even seemingly minor dog bites can pose serious threats to a victim, including the risk of an infection setting in.
While medical experts say that you can treat some dog bite injuries at home, this should only happen for very superficial wounds. For anything other than a minor wound, victims should seek medical care as soon as possible. If a dog bite victim is bleeding profusely, call 911 so emergency services can help.
A primary care physician will usually be able to assess and treat minor to moderate dog bite injuries. However, if the dog bite is serious, the emergency room is the best option. For serious dog bite wounds, hospital personnel will be able to handle the emergency and be prepared to handle or prevent any infections that occur. If the incident is serious and needs reconstructive plastic surgery, you may be referred to specialists who can further assess what treatment may be necessary.
It should also be noted that dog bite victims often report severe emotional and psychological trauma, including instances of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is particularly the case with children, who make up more than half of all dog bite incidents in the country.
If you do not receive medical care for your dog bite injury, it will be difficult to recover any compensation for your injuries through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit.
Let Us Help You Secure Compensation for This Incident
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for what has happened. At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, our skilled and experienced team will investigate what happened and work to secure any compensation you are entitled to. This can include:
- Your medical expenses related to the dog bite
- Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
When you need a dog bite injury attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 310-997-0904 for a free consultation.
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