Suffering a dog bite may cause serious bodily injury and excessive blood loss. Residents of Forest Acres, South Carolina, love their dogs, but unfortunately, these companions are unpredictable, and they can attack others without being provoked. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, then you may need to speak to a Forest Acres personal injury lawyers.
Dog bites may cause serious infections that can affect a victim for the remainder of their life. Also, large dogs are capable of causing severe injuries that can impair a person’s ability to function in daily life. Seeking out a Forest Acres dog bites attorney is one of the best things you can do if you suffered a dog bite.
Common Injuries Associated with Dog Bites in South Carolina
Suffering an attack by a dog is a traumatic experience. Many accident victims do not understand the nature and extent of their physical injuries until they are examined by a physician. The following are some of the most common injuries caused by dog bites:
- Emotional distress
- Face and head lacerations
- Amputations
- Bacterial infections
- Bone fractures
- Contusions
Dog bite victims often do not have time to run away or try to protect themselves during a canine attack. Owners sometimes do not know what to do when their dog attacks another person. It is necessary to contact any witnesses who observed the attack and any resulting injuries.
Common Causes of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries may occur under many different circumstances. Stray dogs and domesticated dogs both have the ability to attack human beings. It is necessary to determine where you were located when you suffered a dog bite.
The following are common causes of dog bites in South Carolina:
- Excessive protectiveness and feelings of dominance
- Fearful or dangerous situations that make the dog feel threatened
- A person flees from a dog, even in a playful manner
- A person scares a dog approaching it from behind
- The dog is defending its territory or self
- Dog mistreatment and dog fighting
Dogs have natural instincts that can make them attack human beings. It is important to always be wary of a dog’s behavior to determine if the animal is dangerous. If you suffered a dog bite injury, then you have the right to retain a Forest Acres dog bites lawyer and learn about dog bite regulations in South Carolina.
Bacterial Infections Caused by Dog Bites
One of the primary dangers caused by dog bites is the risk of bacterial infection in the human body. Cellulitis is a common infection that occurs when a person suffers a dog bite. The following types of bacteria may be associated with dog bites:
- Staphylococcus bacteria
- Streptococcus bacteria
- Enterobacteriaceae bacteria
Any person who suffers a dog bite, no matter how minor, should seek out medical treatment immediately. Antiseptic creams and lotions may be applied to dog bites to reduce pain and inflammation. It is also important to keep the wound clean until a physician examines your injuries.
Dog Bite Injuries Occur on a Scale
Dog bites are not uniform, and the resulting injuries vary based on the severity of the canine attack. The least harmful dog attack injuries are scratches and bruising that can occur when a dog is not being aggressive. More serious dog bite injuries cause puncture wounds in human beings.
The most severe dog bite injuries consist of deep piercing wounds, torn flesh, and multiple piercing wounds. Unfortunately, some dog bite injuries do result in a victim’s death. Oftentimes, dogs that cause fatalities are put down by local animal control agencies.
Sometimes, an accident victim may believe they suffered only insignificant injuries during a dog bite attack. However, it is impossible for a layperson to assess the severity of a dog bite injury. No matter how mild your injuries may appear to be, it is necessary for you to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after being involved in any type of canine attack.
The Types of Damages Victims May Claim in a Dog Bite Case
Dog bite injuries often claim economic damages and non-economic damages in dog bite cases. A victim can typically prove their economic damages by using documentary evidence such as medical bills and pay stubs. However, non-economic damages are more subjective and include things such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Typically, dog bite victims can seek monetary compensation for their lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, disability, and psychological pain. Sometimes, an accident victim will claim punitive damages, but these are reserved only for cases in which the defendant engaged in wanton, willful, or malicious conduct. It is necessary to speak to a dog bites attorney in Forest Acres to determine the approximate total damages amount for your case.
Document Your Dog Bite Injuries
It is essential that you have documentary evidence to substantiate your legal claims. You should obtain copies of any animal bite incident reports that were created on the date of the incident. Also, your medical records and other treatment records will be vital to your dog bite case.
It can be difficult to establish the facts of the case without using documentary evidence. Photographs, videos, and audio recordings may all help you prove your damages and establish the elements of your legal claims. If you have questions about your dog bite case, then you can speak to a dog bites lawyer in Forest Acres.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm Is Here for You and Your Loved Ones
It is terrifying to suffer a dog bite injury. We have bonds with our own pets and other animals, but it is necessary to be proactive after you suffer a dog bite injury. You have the right to seek monetary compensation for your injuries, and you can contact us today to learn more about the legal options available to you.
You do not have to face every aspect of a civil lawsuit on your own. Retaining legal counsel will enable you to benefit from attorney-client privilege and attorney-client confidentiality. Our attorneys are prepared to help you with your dog bite case today.
