Common Dog Bite Injuries and How California Law Protects San Bernardino Victims

Dog bite injuries affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially.

Our experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyers at LA Century Law review common dog bite injuries and explain the legal rights you need to know.

Dog Bite Injuries – A Common Problem, With Serious Consequences

In their lifetime, 50% of people are bitten by an animal. And 90% of animal bites are by household pets, including dogs. Victims of all ages may suffer serious injury.

In California, 112,000 people seek medical attention each year for a dog bite. Dog bites cost Californians $50 million in medical costs annually. Plus, victims often have lost income and incidental costs that make their economic losses even greater. Victims also suffer physical pain, disfigurement, and lifestyle limitations.

The Most Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

The most common injuries caused by dog bites are:

Broken bones

Direct pressure on a bone can fracture it. Broken arm and leg bones are common dog bite injuries. A person may raise their hands to protect themselves, resulting in broken bones in the hand or wrist. If a dog attack causes a fall, broken ribs may occur.

Tendon and ligament damage

A dog bite can result in tendon tearing or crushing injury. Injury may result in functional loss, chronic pain, and loss of feeling. Surgical repair may be required.

Nerve damage

Dog bites can cause neurapraxia, axonotmesis, and neurotmesis. A nerve may be bruised, stretched, torn, or completely severed. Nerve damage can impair feeling and fine motor control. It can cause numbness and muscle weakness. Treatment may help in some cases, including surgical repair.

Organ damage

Organ damage may occur when the organ is crushed or torn. Harm can also result from secondary infection. Trauma to the neck, chest, and belly may cause harm to vital organs like the lungs, trachea, esophagus, kidneys, and liver. A punctured organ is a medical emergency.

Amputation

Amputation may result from the physical trauma of a dog bite, or it may be necessary because of infection. Degloving injury may also occur.

Disfigurement

Changes to body appearance from a dog bite may result from alteration of bone structure, amputation, crushed limb, and functional limitations. Severe burns and scars can be visible to others.

Superficial dog bite wounds

A superficial wound is a scrape or scratch. You may treat a superficial wound by washing it with soap and water or sterile saline and wrapping it in gauze. You may need a tetanus shot. If the dog is not known to you or is not vaccinated for rabies, you may need rabies prevention measures. Remember, a wound may be more serious than it initially appears.

Infections: The Hidden Danger in Dog Bite Wounds

About 20% of dog bites become infected.

The main infectious organisms are:

• Pasteurella multocida
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Viridians streptococci
• Capnocytophaga canimorsus
• Oral anaerobes
• Staphylococcus intermedius (S. pseudintermedius)

Pasteurella multocida is the most common dog bite pathogen. It may be present in 50% of dog bites. But it’s common for a dog bite to have 2-5 different types of bacteria present. Embedded teeth, dental fragments, bone fragments, and debris may enter a wound, increasing the risk of infection.

An infection can cause complications, including:

• Abscess
• Tenosynovitis (inflammation of the synovium surrounding a tendon)
• Septic arthritis
• Osteomyelitis (bone inflammation)
• Tetanus
• Sepsis

When Pasteurella multocida results in septicemia, where bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, the fatality rate is 30%.

Facial and Reconstructive Injuries

Common dog bite injuries to the face include the lips, cheeks, and nose. Multiple facial injuries are common. Facial bites are especially troubling for several reasons:

1. Physical trauma: Crushing injury and soft tissue damage can threaten vital bodily systems, including neuro-vascular systems.
2. Disfigurement: Resulting disability can be visible to others.
3. Risk of infection: Facial injuries bring a risk of infection.
4. Psychological trauma: Disfiguring injuries can cause mental distress.

Facial disfigurement may be appropriate for reconstruction, including maxillofacial or plastic surgery. Facial flap reconstruction or skin grafting may improve overall appearance and function.

A dog bite victim with facial injuries should be evaluated for cervical lesions and nerve damage.

Psychological Trauma and Emotional Distress

In addition to physical injury, a common dog bite injury is psychological trauma. A person may become fearful of dogs and certain situations. They may suffer emotional distress as they face limiting or disfiguring injuries. Emotional distress can be a part of a claim for dog bite injury compensation.

California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law Explained

The California dog bite law is negligence per se. That means strict liability for dog bite owners. The victim doesn’t have to prove that the dog had a history of bites or that it was known to be dangerous.

California’s dog bite laws favor victims. If you have been hurt, you may qualify to receive compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in San Bernardino?

A dog owner may be liable for a dog bite in San Bernardino. Others may be responsible, too, like an apartment leasing company that doesn’t remove a dangerous dog, or someone else who had control of the dog.

A San Bernardino dog bite attorney can evaluate liable parties.

What Compensation Can San Bernardino Dog Bite Victims Recover?

A San Bernardino dog bite victim can recover economic and non-economic losses. When you choose LA Century Law, you have a team of legal professionals to pursue the maximum amount for your case.

Steps To Take After a Dog Bite to Protect Your Legal Claim

When a dog bite occurs, protect yourself and others from additional harm. Seek immediate medical attention. Remember that injuries may be more serious than they seem. Also, keep in mind that children may not be able to explain their symptoms.

Take photos of the injury, the animal, and the physical location where the bite occurred. See if you can identify the owner and others who may have witnessed the attack.

Report the dog bite: How to Report a Dog Bite in San Bernardino County

You may involve an attorney at any point in the claims process.

Talk to a Lawyer

LA Century Law is a premier personal injury law firm. We represent adults and children who are hurt by dog bites. Call or message us now.