Dogs are one of the most popular types of pets, which means that dog bites are somewhat common. Given the fact that most dog bites are minor, people sometimes fail to properly consider the medical consequences of a bite until the situation worsens.
However, serious medical consequences are possible even in cases where the initial traumatic injury from the dog bite seems minor. What medical complications often follow a dog bite?
1. Serious infections
Bacterial infections are relatively common after dog bites. The tapered shape of canine teeth can create wounds that are hard to clean. They might develop infections that require medical treatment — especially if people don’t see a doctor to assess and clean the wound.
2. Nerve and tendon damage
Bite wounds to hands are relatively common, and they put people at risk of damage to their tendons and connective tissue. Dog bites can also potentially cause nerve damage due to the deep punctures that sometimes occur. Nerve damage can cause persistent challenges after a dog bite incident. That’s especially true in cases involving torn tissue,
3. Significant scarring
Due to the potential tearing of tissue and other complicating factors, dog bites can cause significant scarring. Scars can cause disfiguration that can be particularly traumatic if they are on the face and neck. They can also affect range of motion and cause pain if they are on the hands or other frequently used body parts.
Understanding the potential consequences of a dog bite can help people pursue appropriate compensation. For those with serious medical issues, the support of an experienced personal injury attorney can help evaluate various solutions and protect their rights.