Dog attacks cause harm that goes way beyond bites and injuries. Victims of bad maulings suffer broken bones, deep cuts, and a higher risk of infection. Besides, they need lots of medical treatment right away and for a long time. But that’s not all; dog bite victims might need reconstructive surgery, disability therapy, and time off work.
Also, they have to pay for lawyers. Therefore, for survivors, it is important to understand all the damage the incident caused in their lives: physically, financially, and mentally. Furthermore, knowing the full effects can help them get fair compensation and justice. Below are some of the losses a dog bite victim will face.
Exploring the Adverse Effects on Dog Bite Victims
1. Medical Expenses
One of the most immediate and daunting consequences of a dog mauling comes from urgent medical interventions and continuing treatments. Furthermore, depending on the severity of the case, many victims need to spend on the following medical expenses:
- Ambulance transportation
- ER stabilization
- Inpatient hospitalization
- Surgery
- Medications
- Admission to intensive care
In such distressing situations, seeking legal guidance is crucial. Experienced dog bite attorneys can assist victims in navigating the legal complexities surrounding these incidents, ensuring they receive the necessary support and compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other damages.
However, costs continue to increase due to ongoing outpatient care, such as
- Wound checks
- Infection management
- Laboratory tests
- Imaging scans to evaluate bone configuration
- Physical therapy
Additionally, bills rapidly pile up, with fees ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands in extreme cases. However, costs continue to increase due to ongoing outpatient care.
Also Read: Best Business Opportunities In Medical Delivery Services
2. Lost Income
In addition to astronomical medical bills, victims also face financial strain from being unable to work for prolonged periods. The severe wounds, surgical interventions, infection risk, and extensive rehabilitation demand lengthy periods of rest and absence from jobs, leading to steep income losses.
Employers only provide limited disability payouts, forcing victims to dip into savings or take out loans to manage household costs. Clinical follow-ups and cosmetic revisions mean extra time off work.
Some victims cannot ultimately return to their former occupations if they’re disabled or their disfigurement impairs their duties. Reassignment to lower-paying jobs brings lasting financial strain.
3. Pain and Suffering
The extreme pain of dog bites and subsequent medical procedures delivers immense suffering on top of financial blows. Canine teeth can exert bite forces between 200 and 450 psi, enough to sever limbs and crush bones. Mauled victims commonly report excruciating pain, unlike anything previously experienced. The nursing care, reconstructive surgeries, and skin grafts that follow also bring agonizing discomfort.
Severe wounds also heighten risks for regional pain syndrome and complex infections like MRSA, causing relentless flare-ups. Post-traumatic stress disorder fuels further ongoing mental duress. Beyond dollars, dog attacks extract a lasting physical and psychological pain toll.
4. Emotional Anguish
The deep emotional trauma of suffering a dog attack leaves lasting scars for numerous survivors as well. Many victims report flashbacks, distressing memories, overwhelming anxiety, and fear of dogs following traumatic maulings.
Furthermore, sleep disorders like recurring nightmares remain common, given the immense sudden physical injuries and terror inflicted by dogs, especially for victims attacked unprovoked by pets. Walking outdoors may induce hypervigilance over ordinary dog sights and sounds.
5. Disfigurement and Reduced Quality of Life
Finally, for victims who suffer amputations or severe, permanent facial and body scarring, the permanent decline in quality of life remains the most pronounced non-quantifiable loss from dog bite injuries. Mobility aids, prosthetics, and ongoing accommodations adapt basic functioning but fail to restore pre-bite quality of life.
Losing limbs, talent, athletic prowess, physical confidence, and outward appearance fundamentally change victims’ identity and world interactions.
Conclusion
The victim may suffer all of the above losses as a result of a dog bite. For example, if you have been attacked by a dog, then you can get fair compensation from the dog owner.
Obtaining compensation is not an easy task, so you need to hire an experienced dog bite attorney who can help you throughout the legal process.
