According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million dog bites occur every year. If you are included in this number, you know first hand how physically painful and emotionally traumatizing this type of situation can be. What you may not know is that you do not have to face the aftermath of this situation alone.
It is impossible to know exactly why dog bites happen, and you may even think that what happened is partially your fault, but in reality, you may have a valid civil claim. Unfortunately, many Pennsylvania dog bite victims fail to explore the possibility of securing financial compensation for their attack-related pain and suffering.
The medical effects of a dog bite
At first, a dog bite may not seem like a big deal. However, any laceration that breaks the skin is capable of causing infection. As many as 18 percent of all dog bites result in some type of infection, often caused by the bacteria commonly carried by dogs. Complications from bites, both minor and deep cuts, can lead to the following:
- Rabies
- Pasteurella
- MRSA
- Tetanus
You can know all of the risks and even take every precaution necessary to shield yourself against the possibility of a dog bite, but it can still happen. If you are a victim, you would be wise to act quickly to secure the medical care you need. With the right help, it is possible to fight back after a dog bite and get the money you need for a full recovery.
Who is at risk for a dog bite?
Not surprisingly, children rank highly among groups that are likely to experience a dog bite. Most children love animals, and they may approach an unleashed or aggressive dog without ever thinking that the animal could attack. In many cases, a dog bite comes from an animal that is familiar to the victim.
If you were bitten or your child suffered a bite by an animal owned by a friend or relative, you may be reluctant to take legal action for fear that it could negatively impact a loved one. In actuality, the dog owner’s liability or homeowner insurance may cover your losses. In these types of personal injury cases, it is beneficial to work with a lawyer who can identify all available sources of compensation.
