A dog bite injury can range from mild to severe, but any time skin is broken there’s the risk of infection, so a seemingly minor injury could become a serious problem. Aside from physical problems, dog bite injuries can also lead to emotional problems, such as fear of animals and post-traumatic stress disorder.
If you or a loved one is suffering after a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation under the Texas dog bite law. One of your priorities should be to consult with a Houston personal injury lawyer.
A Close Look at Serious Dog Bite Injuries
After you fall victim to a dog bite injury, it’s important that you cleanse the wound in an attempt to ward off infection. If bleeding is profuse, pressure should be applied with a clean cloth. Depending on the circumstances of the attack, you may need to call 911 because a dog attack can cause life-threatening or fatal injuries. Some serious dog bite injuries include:
- avulsions – skin is torn away, exposing underlying muscles and tendons;
- lacerations – wounds are ragged and especially dangerous if they’re deep or over a joint;
- punctures – when the dog’s teeth pierce skin, bleeding may be minimal, but bacteria can easily be released into your system;
- crush injuries – a dog’s bite can yield up to 450 pounds of pressure per square inch, so a crush injury could lead to damaged nerves or mangled tissue that may need to removed by debridement; and
- fractured bones – broken bones can result from being knocked to the pavement by a large dog, being tripped by a smaller dog, or being bitten in the face.
Next, we’ll focus on scars and infections that could arise from a dog bite injury. If someone else’s negligence has led to a vicious dog bite attack, you may benefit by contacting a Houston personal injury lawyer who can apply the Texas dog bite law to your case and explain your legal options.