Being bitten by a dog is a painful, traumatic, and frightening experience. Even small breeds can cause serious injuries. All dogs have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, and when they bite, they can inflict significant damage to skin, muscles, tendons, nerves, and more. In addition to immediate concerns such as pain and bleeding, victims also may be at risk of long-term damage.
The biggest risk factor for long-term damage after a dog bite is nerve damage. Dog bite victims are especially vulnerable to nerve damage when they are bitten on their hands or fingers, as the nerves are close to the skin and easily damaged by dogs’ sharp teeth. People who suffer nerve damage may lose some or all use of their hands and fingers.
In addition to affecting mobility and use, dog bites can also cause long-term pain, especially when they affect nerves. Nerve damage doesn’t mean just loss of feeling or motion—it can also lead to uncomfortable and painful sensations, even when the injury from the bite itself appears to have healed. Finally, dog bites can result in serious infections that can sometimes require amputation to treat, which obviously results in profound disability due to lost digits or body parts.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia dog bite lawyers know how debilitating these injuries can be. That’s why we work hard to hold negligent dog owners accountable when their pets bite innocent victims and cause them to suffer pain and disability. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, we want to help you get compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
