Setareh Law
July 29, 2023
An estimated four and a half million people in the United States suffer dog bite accidents annually, making it one of the most common accidental injuries. While some individuals experience minor medical issues, others may face more extreme and long-term side effects. Dealing with dog bite injuries can be difficult for victims and their loved ones.
In addition to physical pain and discomfort, emotional issues such as anxiety or PTSD may arise. Fortunately, if you have sustained a dog bite injury, you may qualify for compensation to help mitigate your medical costs and other damages. Partnering with an attorney can help minimize the long-term side effects of dog bites and get you the justice you deserve.
The Long-Term Physical Consequences of Dog Bites
The physical consequences of dog bites can be both immediate and long-term. Immediately following an attack, victims may experience:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Tissue loss
While these injuries can be severe, they often heal with proper medical treatment. However, there are cases where physical injuries from dog bites can result in long-term effects. For instance, wounds on the face, hands, or limbs can lead to significant scarring and disfigurement. These visible reminders of the attack can also affect one’s self-esteem and confidence.
Dog bites can also introduce bacteria into the body, giving rise to infections or systemic complications and requiring prolonged medical treatment.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Dog Bites
In addition to physical injuries, dog bites can profoundly impact a victim’s emotional and psychological well-being. The emotional consequences can extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of the attack. It may affect the victim’s daily life, relationships, and overall mental health. Victims of severe dog bite attacks may even experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This disorder can manifest through various symptoms, including intrusive memories or flashbacks of the attack, nightmares, intense anxiety, or panic attacks. Dog bites can also leave victims with anxiety and fear for pets and other animals. Such fear can be overwhelming and may lead to avoidance behaviors like crossing the road to avoid encountering oncoming dogs. It can also make it difficult for victims to engage in daily activities and restrict mobility. The outcome is feelings of isolation and vulnerability in public places.
Long-Term Economic Impacts of Dog Bites
Dog bites can have significant economic impacts on the victims. Understanding and addressing these economic implications helps victims seek justice and fair compensation. Medical expenses are the most prevalent economic impact of dog bite accidents.
The cost of treating dog bite injuries can quickly accumulate, placing a financial burden on the victim and their family. Depending on the severity of the dog bite, victims may also need rehabilitation and therapy. Physical therapy might be necessary to regain mobility and functionality, while psychological therapy helps address emotional trauma.
How an Attorney Can Help Dog Bite Victims
Navigating the complexities of filing a personal injury claim while coping with your physical and emotional distress may be challenging. Fortunately, you may find help from a personal injury attorney from Setareh Law.
An experienced attorney can help advocate for your rights and work hard to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses. They can investigate your accident and collect evidence, which is crucial for building a solid case to hold the dog owner responsible. As a result, you will have peace of mind knowing an expert is handling your case.
Note that dealing with insurance companies can be tricky. An attorney specializing in dog bite cases understands the tactics used by these companies and can handle negotiations on your behalf. They may be able to maximize your compensation by supporting your case with evidence, such as medical bills and receipts of other accident-related costs.
Get in Touch With a Reliable California Dog Bite Accident Attorney at Setareh Law
Dog bites can culminate in acute long-term side effects that impact victims physically, psychologically, and economically. With the help of a qualified dog bite accident attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. At Setareh Law, we are dedicated to assisting dog bite accident victims throughout California.
Our team can aggressively fight for your rights and interests, helping you seek full and just compensation. We have a track record of successful results and work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case. Complete our contact form today or call us at (310) 659-1826 to schedule a free consultation. Our team also speaks Spanish.
