Dog Bite Injuries Can Lead To Long Term Complications

Given the prevalence of dogs as pets in Illinois and throughout the U.S., along with their reputation as friendly and loyal companions, it can be easy to forget that they are also capable of causing serious injuries. You may be fortunate to have nothing but positive interactions with dogs throughout your life, but all it takes is one attack to threaten your immediate health and even your long-term well-being. If you suffer from ongoing complications related to a dog bite injury, you may be entitled to substantial compensation from the dog’s owner.

Possible Long-Term Effects of Dog Bites

Many dog bite injury victims are able to make a full recovery after receiving treatment. However, severe injuries may cause harm that lasts for months, years, or indefinitely. Some possible long-lasting complications include:

• Infection - Many people associate rabies with animal bites, but bite wounds can also become infected with other diseases, including tetanus and staph. When an infection spreads throughout the bloodstream, it can become difficult to control, and an injury victim may need significant ongoing treatment.
• Scarring and disfigurement - Even after healing, deep bite wounds can leave visible scarring that permanently alters the victim’s appearance. Dog attacks can also cause facial disfigurement or result in the amputation of fingers or limbs.
• Impaired mobility and bodily functions - Many different complications from dog bite injuries can result in limited mobility, including excessive scar tissue, muscle damage, nerve damage, broken bones, and loss of digits or limbs. Head and facial injuries can also affect a person’s ability to see, speak, eat, breathe, and perform many regular brain functions.
• Mental injuries - Some dog bite injury victims suffer from anxiety and depression related to the effects of their injuries. Others suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder that may trigger panic attacks and other adverse effects when they encounter dogs in the future.

Recovering Damages

In Illinois, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog without provocation, meaning that they can be held responsible for all of the victim’s damages. For a dog bite victim suffering from long-term complications, these damages may far exceed the costs of their immediate medical care. When filing a personal injury claim, victims should consider future costs of surgeries, medication, therapy, and rehabilitation, as well as impairments to their earning ability. They should also consider the effects of the physical and mental pain and suffering caused by their injuries.

Contact a Waukegan, IL Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

At Salvi & Maher, LLP, we know that a dog attack can be shocking and traumatizing and that the effects can linger long after the attack itself. We can help you determine the appropriate amount of compensation to pursue and represent you in your pursuit of a fair settlement or verdict. For a free consultation with one of our Lake County personal injury attorneys, call us today at 847-662-3303.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.html

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41