A dog attack can quickly turn a simple walk to the park into a trip to the hospital. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 5 dog bite injuries require medical attention. The severity of dog bites varies greatly depending on the type of injury caused by the attack. However, despite the severity of injuries, it is essential to consult any Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys to discuss the legal side of claiming compensation.
One of the most common injuries caused by a dog attack is wounds to the face which can include lacerations, puncture wounds, and swelling. Another injury that’s commonly seen in cases of dog bites is tears to limbs, deep bite wounds, or broken bones. Additionally, bites to the hand are not uncommon when dealing with an aggressive animal. Moreover, dog bites are dangerous due to their high infectious rates with bacteria which can lead to serious illness or infection.
Let us see the most common injuries caused by a dog attack in Philadelphia.
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Finger amputations
Every year, about 500 people are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries. A new study found that in most cases of finger amputations due to dog attacks, the wounds are not treated promptly and thoroughly enough, which contributes to an increase in osteomyelitis. The researchers suggest that health care professionals review their dog-bite protocols with patients, including instructions for wound treatment.
Lacerations
The dog bite is a common injury in the United States, with up to 4 million bites per year where medical treatment is sought. The majority of bites are from family dogs and can occur anywhere on the victim’s body, but the most common locations are the head and neck. Lacerations to these regions can pose serious health risks such as bacterial infections and tetanus, especially if proper care and antibiotic treatment is not sought immediately.
Severe soft tissue damages
Dog attacks are a serious matter. The dog bites can range from mild to severe. Many people don’t realize that these bites may lead to severe soft tissue damage, which can take weeks or months to heal properly. When faced with these types of attacks, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Disfigurement
It is estimated that one in 5 people will suffer some form of disfigurement after an attack by a dog. Dogs inflict injuries to the neck, face, head, and hands around 20% of the time. The head and neck are most vulnerable to injury because they are close to the ground, where dogs often attack. The force of an attack can cause loss or retraction of skin, tissue, or bone, which can result in permanent scarring.