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Dog Bite Resource Center

Injuries and Infections Caused by Dog Bites

A dog bite can cause both physical and emotional injuries in children and adults. Physical injuries can result in physical therapy, scars and infections. Emotional injuries can result in therapy or a life long fear of dogs, which in turn may make you more susceptible to dog related accidents. It is always important to practice safety when in a situation involving a dog, even the family pet.

The following are just some examples of types of injuries that can occur from a dog bite:

Abrasions: Superficial damage to the skin. Mild abrasions, also known as grazes do not scar, but deep abrasions may lead to scarring. The upper layers of the skin are damaged or completely removed in the injury, causing slight bleeding, if any.

Lacerations: An irregular wound which is caused by a blunt impact to soft tissue overlying hard tissue or the tearing of skin and tissues.

Puncture Wounds: Caused by an item completely puncturing the skin (dog’s teeth or claws).

Incisions or Incised Wounds: Caused by clean, sharp-edged objects (claws or teeth). These types of injuries are typically classified as cuts, rather than actual wounds.

Tissue Loss: Often, cuts and wounds caused by dog bites can lead to the loss of tissue, causing deformity to the injured area.

Avulsion: Defined as the tearing away or separation of a piece of an entire structure. This can include small pieces of the flesh to be torn away from the body or complete body parts being separated from the body.

Crush Injuries: Crush injuries occur when a body part is subjected to high degrees of force or pressure. Crush injuries can cause bleeding, bruising, compartment syndrome, fractures and lacerations.

Fractured Bones: Cracks or breaks in the bones caused by high force impact or stress. Types of fractures include:

• Complete Fracture- A fracture in which bone fragments separate completely.
• Incomplete Fracture- A fracture in which the bone fragments are still partially joined.
• Linear Fracture- A fracture that is parallel to the bone's long axis.
• Transverse Fracture- A fracture that is at a right angle to the bone's long axis.
• Oblique Fracture- A fracture that is diagonal to a bone's long axis.
• Compression Fracture-A fracture that usually occurs in the vertebrae.
• Spiral Fracture- A fracture where at least one part of the bone has been twisted.
• Comminuted Fracture- A fracture which results in several fragments.
• Compacted Fracture- A fracture caused when bone fragments are driven into each other.
• Open Fracture- A fracture when the bone is in contact with air either by piercing the skin or by severe tissue injury.

Sprain/Strain Injuries: Sprains are injuries which occur to ligaments caused by the sudden over stretching of the ligament. Usually the ligament is only stretched, but is also common for them to completely tear. There are 4 degrees of sprain injuries:

First Degree: Minor tear or stretching of ligament.
Second Degree: Tear of the ligament followed by pain or swelling.
Third Degree: Complete rupture of the ligament.
Fourth Degree: The actual break of the ligament and in some cases small bones surrounding the area.

Scars: Every wound will result in a scar, ranging in severity depending on the type of wound. Some will fade over time, while others will require cosmetic surgery to repair.

Infections: Infections to untreated dog bites and wounds are common, due to the amount of bacteria carried by dogs. Dogs can also carry many diseases and organisms that carry diseases, all of which can be passed on to you during an attack. It is extremely important to wash and treat all wounds immediately to avoid infection.

If you have suffered injuries due to a dog bite or dog attack, please contact California dog bite attorney John Bisnar for your free consultation. As a victim of a dog attack you have the right to hold the injuring party responsible for your injuries. Dog owners are liable for all injuries caused by their dangerous pets. Call us today to discuss your options.

HOLDING WRONGDOERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DAMAGES THEY CAUSE SINCE 1978

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Bisnar | Chase 2006-2008 - Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Bisnar | Chase has received this award for three consecutive years.

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