Dogs are most people’s best buddy (or woman’s or child’s!). They have the ability to bring an incalculable amount of love and joy to a family’s existence. On the other hand, they can be dangerous. They may grow violent and attack other people if they are not properly taught, cared for, and watched. Dog bites can cause serious injury or even death in certain circumstances.
What you should know about California and Arizona laws regarding dog bit injuries
Dog bite regulations differ from one state to the next. Dog owners in California and Arizona are typically liable if their dogs bite people while on public grounds or when the victim is legitimately on private land. This is true regardless of whether the dog has previously bitten someone or shown signs of being violent or nasty.
However, the owner’s responsibility for a dog bite may be lessened if the victim provoked the dog by striking or mocking it. A claim for a dog bite will usually be covered by the dog owner’s renter’s or homeowner’s insurance. An expert dog bite attorney can assist you in determining whether or not you have a valid claim for a dog attack.
Dog bites can cause many types of injuries
Dog bites cause more than 4.5 million injuries in the United States each year. Flesh wounds, such as punctures near the bite site, are the most common kind of injury. In most cases, a flesh injury will result in bleeding, bruising, stiffness, discomfort, inflammation, and sometimes scarring. This sort of injury is typically free of consequences if treated correctly with cleansing, antibacterial cream, and bandaging.
If a person is bitten by a bigger or more violent dog, or if a smaller person or kid is bitten more deeply, more serious injuries can occur. A deeper bite can cause ligament and muscle tears, as well as shattered bones. This may need immediate medical attention, sutures, or possibly surgery.
Infection is the most common consequence from dog bites, occurring in roughly 20% of cases. There are several distinct forms of diseases that can result from a dog bite, ranging in severity from quite minor to possibly deadly. They are as follows:
- Tetanus is a bacterial toxin that can induce paralysis in those who have not been immunized. This is especially troublesome in the case of severe bite wounds.
- Rabies is a virus that is transmitted by a bite from the saliva of an infected dog or other animal; it travels to the infected person’s or animal’s brain and is nearly always deadly.
- MRSA is a bacterium that is resistant to most antibiotics and can be fatal.
- Pasteurella is a bacterium that is commonly detected in infected dog bites and causes discomfort, redness, and swelling at the bite site.
- Capnocytophaga spp. is a bacterium that resides in a dog’s mouth and can be transmitted by a bite, especially to those who have weaker immune systems.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you’ll need the aid of a knowledgeable dog bite attorney to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Schedule a free initial consultation with The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker now at 800-333-0000 to explore how we can assist you. We never charge a fee until we are successful in obtaining funds for you!
