Dog bites cause a variety of injuries ranging from minor to severe. Understanding some of the most common injuries that result from dog bites can help you determine when to seek medical care.
There are several types of injuries that you may experience.
Puncture wounds
Puncture wounds are common in dog bite cases. A dog’s teeth can penetrate skin and tissue, leading to deep wounds that become difficult to adequately clean and disinfect. Even when those wounds look minor, you may not realize how deep the damage goes, which is why medical intervention is so important after any dog bite injury. Early treatment reduces the risk of infection and the possibility of long-term complications as a result.
Tissue and muscle damage
Dog bites sometimes lead to deep wounds that damage muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments. This kind of injury can interfere with your mobility and lead to chronic pain and possible disabilities.
Nerve damage
A dog bite may injure the nerves in your body as well. Injured or damaged nerves cause sensations such as tingling, numbness, and lost feeling in the affected area. Nerve damage often becomes quite painful and uncomfortable and may require surgical intervention to address.
Crushing injuries
In severe cases, dog bites cause crushing injuries. Dogs with a strong bite force may cause broken bones and severe tissue damage. In these cases, treatment and recovery can prove both lengthy and costly.
More than 4.5 million people suffer dog bites every year. The resulting injuries can have long-term complications, including scarring. Timely medical attention can improve your recovery chances. Documenting your injuries with a medical professional also provides the evidence you need for a personal injury claim against the owners if necessary.