According to statistics reported by the ASPCA, an estimated 4.7 million individuals in the United States are bitten by a dog on an annual basis. Approximately 800, 000 dog bite victim visit emergency departments for medical treatment of injuries sustained by a bite. Dog bites can cause several different types of injuries, and may include serious, long-lasting symptoms and effects. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks of dog bites and how to avoid them.
With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, millions of individuals will participate in barbecues, parties, picnics, and other types of gatherings in parks and backyards across Wisconsin. Hence, people will be in close vicinity to dogs with whom they may not be familiar.
If a person is unsure of a dog's temperament, he or she may unknowingly do something that causes the dog to respond in defense. Furthermore, dogs may become overwhelmed by large groups of people or activities taking place around them and may react by biting someone nearby. Even dogs who do not have violent tendencies or a history of biting may bite a person under such circumstances.
Young children are at the highest risk to suffer dog bites and to experience severe injuries as a result. This is often because they are closer to a dog's size and are more likely to unknowingly do something to provoke a bite attack. Anyone whose child will be around strange dogs over the Memorial Day weekend should keep a close watch on their child and try to teach him or her how to safely interact with dogs.
What to Do if a Dog Bit Occurs
If you or your child sustains a dog bite, there is a good chance that you may require medical attention. A bite can often cause the following types of injuries:
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Puncture wounds;
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Lacerations;
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Muscle tears;
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Permanent scarring or disfigurement; or
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Infection or rabies.
Such injuries may require immediate and possibly extensive treatment, including stitches, staples, surgeries, medication and more.
In addition, a dog bite—especially for a child—may also result in serious mental injuries. Dog bite victims may have to seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a newly developed and sometimes debilitating fear of dogs, known as cynophobia. These conditions may result in severe emotional effects and can lead a victim to be unable to attend school, work, or even leave his or her house. Victims with permanent disfigurement from a bite attack may also experience social and emotional issues resulting from their scars.
Contact a Wisconsin Dog Bite Attorney for Help Today
In many situations, individuals who sustain injuries from dog bites may hold a dog's owner liable for their losses associated with their injuries, such as medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
At [[title]], our highly experienced Appleton personal injury lawyers and Green Bay personal injury lawyers are committed to helping dog bite victims recover. We have offices conveniently located in Green Bay, Appleton, and Oshkosh and offer free consultations for all personal injury cases. Please call us at [[toll]] for help today.