Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor scratches to life-threatening infections, and knowing what to look for is crucial. Common dog bite injuries include punctures, lacerations, abrasions, and, in rare cases, infections like rabies. Each type of injury carries different risks and recovery needs, making it essential to document everything carefully.

If you’ve been bitten, working with an experienced Phoenix dog bite lawyer can help ensure your injuries are properly evaluated and that your claim is filed correctly. Proper documentation of your injuries and timely legal guidance are key to securing the compensation you deserve.

Common Dog Bite Injuries and Key Details

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

While some dog bite injuries are minor, others are severe and likely to leave you with lifelong scars, both physical and emotional. Understanding the difference between these injuries will help you know if your injuries are covered by the Arizona dog bite statute.

A Puncture

A puncture occurs when a dog bites you hard enough to pierce through your skin. Some punctures are minor tears, while others are deep enough to leave you with severe wounds or scars.

The deeper the puncture, the higher the risk of excessive bleeding and developing an infection. Therefore, you should seek immediate medical care no matter how minor the bite marks are.

A Laceration

When a dog bite causes a laceration, it means that the tear goes deeper than a puncture. It passes through the outer layer of your skin into the underlying blood vessels, tissues, and bones.

Therefore, you’re likely to experience excessive bleeding and require stitches. If this happens to you, see a doctor immediately for specialized treatment. Trying to close the wounds by yourself using homemade solutions can worsen the infection.

A Scratch

Also called an ‘abrasion,’ a scratch is a superficial injury that doesn’t go past the outer layer of your skin. In most cases, a scratch grazes your skin without causing serious damage to the blood vessels, so you don’t lose a lot of blood.

Sometimes, the scratch can be big enough to leave a scar. Although this injury can be treated with homemade remedies, it’s advisable to see a doctor for additional tests to check for potential infections. These medical records will be useful when filing a claim.

Rabies

This is a life-threatening infection that occurs when you’re bitten by a dog that is infected with the virus. If not treated immediately, the virus can spread to your brain and nervous system, increasing the risk of death.

Don’t wait for rabies symptoms to develop before you seek medical care, because it may be too late for you. Common symptoms of rabies include feeling confused or aggressive, muscle spasms, sensitivity to light and sound, and difficulty speaking.

Final Thoughts

Dog bite injuries vary in terms of severity, appearance, and long-term effects. Filing a dog bite claim successfully in Arizona depends on your attorney’s ability to identify these injuries and gather the necessary evidence to prove your case.

At Gage Mathers, we pride ourselves on having a deep understanding of the dog bite laws in Arizona and being able to assist victims of dog bites to find justice and get compensated fully. Reach out today!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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