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Common Complications from Dog Bite Injuries

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

One of the most common dog injuries are bites, affecting nearly 4.5 million people in the U.S. each year. Dog bites can result in severe complications that can lead to lifelong disability, scarring, or mental harm. From physical complications like infections and nerve damage to psychological consequences like PTSD and mood disorders, a dog bite attack can harm your quality of life.

Michigan follows strict liability for dog bites, meaning the owner is responsible for your dog bite damages under most circumstances. At Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., our team of dog bite attorneys can help you seek compensation for your dog bite injury.

Common Dog Injury Complications

Dog bites often occur in Michigan, with the Insurance Information Institute (III) reporting 905 Michigan dog bite claims in 2022. These claims cost a total cost of $44.8 million in insurance payouts for injuries and resulting complications.

If a dog bites you, the bite can result in several physical complications, such as:

Wound Infections

Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, leading to infections. Around 50% of dog bites introduce pathogens such as staphylococcus, pasteurella, and streptococcus that cause serious infections. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and pus discharge from the wound. Early medical intervention is critical for proper treatment and to prevent complications.

Tetanus

This bacterial infection, caused by Clostridium tetani, can result from a dog bite, particularly if the wound is deep. If your most recent tetanus vaccine was over five years ago, you might be at a heightened risk for this dog bite complication. Tetanus can lead to muscle stiffness and spasms and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. A tetanus shot may be necessary if you’re not up-to-date with your vaccinations.

Rabies

Although rare, rabies is a serious and potentially fatal viral infection transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Only around 10% of rabies cases occur due to dog or cat bites in the U.S., and Michigan requires rabies vaccination for dogs in the state.

However, consulting a healthcare professional immediately after a dog bite is crucial. Some pet owners may fail to vaccinate their dogs, and rabies requires immediate medical attention. Without treatment, rabies has a 100% mortality rate.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis, a potentially serious complication that can arise from a dog bite, occurs when bacteria enter the skin through the wound. This infection causes the affected area to become red, swollen, and tender. If untreated, cellulitis can spread rapidly, leading to more severe symptoms such as fever and chills.

Osteomyelitis

This condition occurs when bacteria enter the bone through the wound, leading to infection and inflammation. Symptoms of osteomyelitis may include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the affected limb. Osteomyelitis occurs more often on dog bites to the hand. If left untreated, it can cause bone destruction and chronic infections, resulting in septic arthritis or tenosynovitis (inflamed tendon).

Nerve and Muscle Damage

Dog bites can cause damage to nerves, muscles, and tendons, which may result in impaired function or loss of sensation. When a dog bite penetrates deep into tissues, it can injure nerves or damage muscles in the affected area. This can result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty moving the affected body part.

Fractures and Dislocations

The force exerted by a dog’s bite can cause fractures or dislocations in bones, particularly in the hands and fingers. The forceful impact or pressure from a dog bite can lead to broken bones or joints being forced out of their normal positions.

Fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the affected area. If you experience a dislocation, it can cause joint instability, limited mobility, and intense discomfort. Treatment for fractures or dislocations from dog bites may require casting, splinting, or surgery.

Amputation

In extreme cases, dog bites can lead to severe tissue damage that necessitates amputation. This is more common when the injury goes untreated or becomes infected, emphasizing the importance of seeking prompt medical attention after a dog bite. A 2018 study of dog injuries in a Level I trauma center found that 51% of bites from pit bulls, law enforcement dogs, and multiple other dogs resulted in amputation or fracture.

Psychological Complications of Dog Bite Injuries

In addition to physical injuries, dog bite incidents result in psychological complications. The traumatic experience of being attacked by a dog can leave lasting emotional scars, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and extreme fear of dogs (cynophobia).

These psychological impacts can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and well-being. An attorney at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can help you seek a settlement for the following types of psychological complications under pain and suffering and emotional distress damages:

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

After experiencing a dog bite, some individuals may develop PTSD, characterized by intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and emotional distress related to the event. This can impact the victim’s daily life and may require professional treatment. One study found that around 55% of children bitten by a dog developed PTSD that lasted at least nine months after the incident.

Anxiety and Mood Disorders

A dog bite can trigger anxiety and mood disorders, such as depression, leading to feelings of helplessness, sadness, and irritability. Mood swings can severely affect your mental health and quality of life, causing issues with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or enjoy your normal hobbies. These conditions may require therapy or medication to manage effectively.

Fear of Dogs

A natural consequence of a dog bite injury is the development of fear or aversion towards dogs. This fear can limit your ability to interact with dogs or even participate in activities where dogs may be present.

In some cases, a dog bite can result in the development of specific phobias, such as cynophobia (fear of dogs) or agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). These phobias can be debilitating and may require therapeutic intervention to overcome.

Sleep disturbances

The emotional trauma of a dog bite can lead to sleep disturbances, including insomnia, nightmares, or night sweats. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate physical pain, hinder the healing process, impair cognitive function, increase irritability and emotional distress, and impact your mental health, making it even more challenging to cope with the aftermath of the traumatic event.

Legal Implications of Dog Bite Incidents

The aftermath of a dog bite injury doesn’t end with physical and psychological consequences. If another person’s dog bites you, you can pursue a personal injury claim to receive compensation for your injury-related damages.

The personal injury attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can help you understand the following elements of a dog bite case and represent your interests throughout the claims process:

Liability and Responsibility of the Dog Owner

Under Michigan statute 287.351, dog owners are liable for any damages to victims caused by their pet. This follows strict liability, meaning that the dog owner is responsible whether or not they knew their pet was dangerous.

If you suffer a common dog bite injury while on public property or on private property where you were invited, the owner must pay for your medical expenses, wage losses, and pain and suffering. The only exception is if you incited the dog attack with your behavior, such as teasing or hurting the animal.

Under standard negligence laws, you can also hold an owner or the person responsible for the dog liable if the dog attacks and causes you injuries. For instance, if the dog owner breaks Michigan’s leash laws by not having a leash on their pet and it chases you, causing you to fall and suffer a traumatic brain injury, you can file a claim against the owner.

Claims and Settlements

In dog bite cases, you can seek compensation through a claim against the owner’s home insurance policy or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Typically renter’s and homeowner’s insurance covers up to between $100,000 and $300,000 in damages, meaning you can receive the compensation you need to pay for your attack-related expenses, even if the bite occurred at the home of a relative.

To initiate a claim, you can work with your attorney at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. to gather evidence such as medical records, photographs of your injuries, witness statements, and other relevant documentation like pay stubs or receipts for psychological counseling. This evidence helps establish the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages suffered.

In cases where negligence is obvious, your lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. The Insurance Information Institute reports that Michigan’s average cost per claim was $49,502 in 2022. If the insurer refuses to pay you a fair amount, our attorneys can help you file a personal injury lawsuit.

A lawsuit allows you to receive a maximum award for your injuries. Your legal team at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., which includes Eileen Kroll, will build a strong case to present to the court to win you damages.

Eileen is our nurse attorney and senior partner who brings her unique medical knowledge to your case. She can demonstrate the extent of your dog bite injury and complications, proving their effects on your life. Eileen’s insights, along with treatment records and expert medical testimony, can help you win fair restitution. For example, our team won a $250,000 settlement for a dog bite incident that happened to a Monroe, Michigan, woman.

Understanding Canine Body Language

To minimize the risk of common dog bite injuries, it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs a dog may display before a potential bite. A 2021 study found that 77% of dog bites on humans were caused by fear and anxiety in the animal, making it crucial to familiarize yourself with canine body language to help you identify when a dog may be feeling threatened, fearful, or aggressive.

Some common warning signs include:

  • Growling or snarling: A dog may growl or snarl to communicate discomfort, fear, or aggression. Respecting this warning and giving the dog space to avoid escalating the situation is essential for your safety.
  • Stiff body posture: A tense, stiff body posture, often accompanied by a raised tail, can signal that a dog feels threatened or uncomfortable. Maintaining distance and avoiding sudden movements can diffuse tension.
  • Ears pinned back: When a dog’s ears are pinned back against its head, it may indicate fear or anxiety. Allow them to approach you on their terms.
  • Avoiding eye contact or turning away: A dog that avoids eye contact or turns its head away may be signaling discomfort. It’s best to respect the dog’s boundaries and not force interaction.

Practicing Safe Dog Interactions

In addition to recognizing warning signs, practicing safe interactions with dogs can reduce your risk of dog bite injuries. When interacting with dogs, keep the following in mind:

  • Ask for permission: Always ask for permission before petting someone else’s dog and teach your children to do the same. This shows respect for the owner and ensures that the dog is comfortable with being approached.
  • Approach calmly: Approach dogs calmly and slowly, allowing them to sniff your hand before petting them. This helps the dog become familiar with you and reduces the likelihood of a fearful or aggressive response.
  • Know when to pet: Avoid petting dogs that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies, as they may be more likely to react aggressively in these situations.
  • Teach dog safety to kids: Teach children how to interact with dogs safely, recognize warning signs, and approach dogs appropriately. Supervise all interactions between children and dogs to ensure the safety of both parties.

Dog Bite Injury Complications

Get Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injury Complications

Dog bite injuries can lead to many physical and psychological complications. If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite injury, it’s essential to have expert legal support to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can provide the guidance and representation you need in the aftermath of a dog bite incident. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the complexities of dog bite cases and is committed to helping you obtain justice and fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first steps towards recovery and peace of mind after suffering from common dog bite injuries after an attack.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.

Lynn Mayfield is a writer and has worked in finance and education. Lynn earned her Master's Degree in Education and now writes informative articles for various legal organizations. She enjoys drinking coffee and spending time outdoors.

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