Dogs might be considered man’s best friend, but they are still animals, and they can still cause injury. In some cases, dog bite injuries may be severe, which may increase the victim’s risk of infection. Learn how you can prevent this from happening after a bite injury and discover how an experienced attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for your losses.
Treating Minor Bite Injuries
Most minor dog bites can be treated at home, first with water and antibacterial soap, then with antibacterial ointment and a sterile bandage. However, you should still visit your doctor if you did not know the dog that bit you. Failure to do so could result in serious health complications – especially if the dog had rabies. Injury victims with minor bites should also be closely monitored for any potential signs of infection (red streaking, heat at the wound site, pus, fever, etc.).
Treating Moderate to Severe Bite Injuries
Moderate to severe bite injuries should never be treated just at home – and not just because the victim may need stitches, surgery, or other forms of treatment, but also because the risk of infection is greater. Cleaning of the wound should be done by a licensed healthcare professional, and instead of washing it, victims are encouraged to simply control the bleeding while they wait for help to arrive. Once treatment is received, severe and moderate bite injury victims will also need to be watched for signs of infection.
When a Bite Injury Causes Serious Damage
Dog bite injuries may leave scarring and they often traumatize young children. However, there are many other potential consequences of a serious dog bite. For example, victims may require extensive surgery to repair skin, muscle, or tissue damage that has been caused. The victim may suffer from disfigurement, which may or may not be remedied with surgery. Nerve damage and irreparable damage to skin, muscle, tissues, or organs may also occur. As a result, the victim may require physical therapy to regain use of a body part, if it can be regained at all.
You May Be Owed Compensation
If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite injury because of someone else’s negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation for any losses you have experienced. Unfortunately, as a victim, you have the burden of proof. Get assistance with your case and contact Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. Dedicated and experienced, our Appleton, Wisconsin dog bite injury lawyers will protect your rights and aggressively pursue the most compensation possible. Learn more by scheduling a personalized consultation. Call 920-739-7366 today.
Source:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-bites#1