Whether they are on their own premises or in a public area, dog owners have an obligation to make sure that their dogs are always secure and do not present a risk to other people. However, there are situations in which a dog owner’s negligence may result in his or her pet biting someone and causing injuries.
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Greenville, North Carolina, or any of the surrounding areas in Pitt County, you should seek legal representation. As a victim of a dog bite, you may have legal recourse to obtain financial compensation from the dog’s owner, regardless of the dog’s size or the extent of the injury.
What Are the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries?
- Punctures and lacerations: These types of injuries typically require immediate medical attention, as they are usually deep and susceptible to infection. The wounds must be cleaned thoroughly and antibiotics must be taken to stave off infection.
- Nerve damage: The nerves that surround a wound caused by a dog bite can be severely damaged. Extensive nerve damage may result in constant pain or some form of paralysis.
- Broken bones or fractures: Because they are significant, these types of injuries require immediate medical attention and long-term care. If the broken bones or fractures are open, or parts of the bone are exposed, there is a very high risk of infection.
- Loss of extremities: The loss of one’s fingers, toes or other extremities can be difficult to overcome and will require extensive medical care.
- Infection: Dog bites can easily become infected from bacteria and other types of microorganisms that are present in a dog’s saliva. Because the dog’s incisors can penetrate deep into tissue and distribute the bacteria, it can be difficult to properly clean and disinfect the area.
- Eye injuries: Dog bites in the eye area may result in torn tissues, orbital fractures, excessive bleeding in the eyes, and more injuries. The victim may be faced with the possibility of having severely impaired vision, or even blindness, after being attacked by a dog.
- Scars: The injuries sustained from dog bites can result in permanent scars on the victim’s face and body, which in some cases can affect how they interact with the world. Undergoing reconstructive surgery in an attempt to reduce facial scars can be costly, in both time and money, and can be very painful.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: In addition to physical injuries, victims of dog bites can suffer from long-lasting mental and psychological effects as well, especially if the victims are children. Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that plagues many victims of dog bites. Sufferers may develop a phobia about dogs and may begin experiencing nightmares about their ordeal.
Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Dog owners should be made aware of the injuries their dogs have caused and the resultant medical concerns. It is important that a victim is able to properly prove that he or she was significantly impacted by the dog attack. As a dog bite victim, you may be entitled to full financial compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity for future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological damages
- Physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement
Greenville, NC Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Brian Ricci, a Dog Bite Lawyer in Greenville, NC. If you have suffered a dog attack, please call me anytime at (252) 777-2222 or (888) 484-6881.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Feel free to check out my team’s excellent results on our Past Verdicts and Settlements page and our many Testimonials.
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