Cuts, Scrapes, or Bruises from a Dog Attack

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) estimates that more than 4.5 million people suffer dog bite injuries every year in the U.S. Many of these injuries are cuts, scrapes, bruises, and other wounds that affect the skin.

If you or someone close to you has suffered a cut, scrape, or bruise from a dog attack incident in Georgia, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. With a successful dog attack injury claim, you can seek money for your medical bills, lost wages, and other injury-related losses.

The Chris Hudson Law Group has lawyers who specialize in dog attack and dog bite cases. They can handle every aspect of your case and demand fair compensation on your behalf while you focus on your health.

To learn more, continue reading or contact us today at (706) 863-6600 for a free consultation.

Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises

Cuts, scrapes, and bruises are among the most common injuries caused by dog bites or dog attacks. And although these injuries may seem relatively minor on the surface, they can result in severe complications, especially when infections occur.

Cuts, also known as lacerations, occur when dog bites result in deep wounds or tears in the skin. These injuries penetrate several layers of skin, sometimes affecting subcutaneous structures like muscles, nerves, blood vessels, or even bones. Dog bites often result in rough, uneven lacerations that bleed profusely and may require stitches.

Scrapes, also known as abrasions, occur when dog attacks result in surface-level wounds that do not go any deeper than the epidermis or top layer of skin. In some cases, dog bites cause abrasions directly, but many abrasions also occur incidentally when victims fall onto or get dragged along rough surfaces. Abrasions typically do not result in lots of bleeding, but large abrasions can lead to extensive scarring, and any skin wound can introduce the possibility of infection.

Bruises, also known as contusions, occur when surface-level injuries cause damage to blood vessels just beneath the top layers of skin. Dog attacks can result in bruising whether, or not victims also sustain cuts or scrapes. Most minor bruises heal on their own with rest and time, but large bruises accompanied by swelling or severe pain may require professional medical care.

The most common complications from dog attack cuts, scrapes, and bruises include infections and direct damage to tendons, joints, or muscles. Dog bite wounds are more likely to become infected among victims with weakened immune systems, diabetes, and peripheral arterial diseases.

How Dog Attacks Result in Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises

Dog teeth, which are typically sharp and unforgiving, can inflict surprisingly large and deep wounds when dogs decide to bite. The deep nature of many dog bite injuries can make the wounds difficult to clean. If the wounds aren’t cleaned carefully, bacteria and other pathogens can be trapped deep inside and lead to insidious infections.

Any dog, no matter its size, breed, sex, or age, can bite people under certain circumstances. However, the majority of dog bite injuries are caused by pets and other familiar dogs. Dog bites are also most likely to affect children, who are more likely than adults to sustain bite injuries on the face, head, and neck.

A dog’s individual history and temperament are key deciding factors in whether or not it will bite, but a dog is much more likely to bite when:

• The dog is away from its owners
• Unfamiliar people attempt to pet the dog
• The dog is sleeping or eating
• The dog is sick or hurt
• The dog is resting with its puppies
• The dog is playing with a toy
• The dog is seeking alone time
• The dog is growling or barking

How Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises from a Dog Attack Should Be Treated

If you or someone close to you has suffered a relatively minor cut, scrape, or bruise as the result of a dog attack, you can take the following initial steps to treat the injury:

• Seek a calm and reassuring environment away from the dog
• Wash the wound with soap and water for at least five minutes
• Do not scrub or wipe the wound roughly, as it could cause additional damage
• Apply antibacterial ointment or cream to the surface of the wound
• Cover the wound with clean, dry bandaging and watch for signs of infection

In more serious cases, you may need to seek treatment from a medical professional. Consider visiting a doctor, emergency room, or urgent care clinic if:

• The wound begins swelling, turns red, or drains pus
• The bite wound is on the head, neck, hands, or feet
• The wound is deep or large
• The wound exposes muscle or bone
• The wound does not stop bleeding within 15 minutes
• The victim has not had a tetanus shot in the past five years
• The wound was caused by a wild, stray, or unknown animal

Compensation for Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises from Dog Attacks

Whether or not a cut, scrape, or bruise results in infection, many dog attack victims end up incurring medical bills, losing income from missed time at work, and enduring substantial pain and suffering. The good news is that you could be entitled to compensation for the following losses after a dog attack injury in Georgia:

• Any medical expenses or rehabilitation costs you incur for the injury
• Incidental expenses, such as mileage costs for medical travel
• The value of lost wages from missed time at work while you recover from your injuries or help a loved one recover from theirs
• The projected value of lifetime earning capacity or future medical needs
• The intangible costs of your pain, suffering, and lost quality of life

How a Dog Attack Injury Lawyer Can Help

A lawyer who is knowledgeable about dog attack cases can help you recover in the aftermath of a dog attack by:

• Explaining your rights and possible sources of compensation
• Conducting an independent investigation into the incident
• Communicating with pet owners and other parties on your behalf
• Obtaining medical records, accident reports, and other useful evidence
• Interviewing eyewitnesses and experts for valuable testimony
• Managing important case documents and deadlines on your behalf
• Working tirelessly to maximize your settlement every step of the way

The Chris Hudson Law Group has a team of expert personal injury lawyers, including some who specialize in dog attack cases. We know that a wide variety of injuries can result from a dog attack, including:

• broken or fractured bones
• nerve damage
• disfigurement
• facial injuries

A member of our team will discuss your case and available compensation for all the injuries you sustained with you.

Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer from The Chris Hudson Law Group in Augusta, GA Today

Get in touch with a dog bite lawyer from The Chris Hudson Law Group today to discuss the details of your dog attack injury claim with a member of our compassionate legal team.

You can call us at (706) 863-6600 or contact us online to schedule your free case review.