There are approximately 77.5 million dogs in the United States, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association. Because of the number of dogs in the US, there are a lot of dog bites that occur. About 2% of the US population suffers a dog bite in any given year and on average, people will suffer a dog bite at least once in their lifetime.
While most dog bites are rather minor, some dog attacks can be severe and even kill people. However, beyond the obvious cuts, scrapes and bruises a dog can inflict on the person they bite, there are many other complications that can arise out of a dog bite incident.
One of those complications is the risk of infection. When most people think of dog bites, they instantly think of rabies. Although dogs are still the number one transmitter of the disease worldwide, this actually not that big of a threat in the US anymore because of the precautions taken over the last several decades.
In rare cases, people can develop severe infections from bacteria. In fact, earlier this year, a woman out of Austin, Texas nearly died because of an infection caused by some minor dog bites. The cuts were so minor that she didn’t think twice about them. Unfortunately, she quickly developed an infection that nearly cost her life and led to her feet and most of her fingers needing to be amputated.
Beyond the physical damage that dog bites can cause, being the victim of a dog bite or attack can cause severe emotional damage. With so many dogs in the United States, having a fear of dogs because of a dog bite can be debilitating. If you are in a job that requires you to interact with dogs in some form or another, this could put your livelihood at risk.
When we help our clients who have suffered from a dog bite or attack, we work hard to take care of them. We work to get our client in a safe place if the dog is still a danger to him or her. We also thoroughly understand the situation. Many dog bites are from dogs that are the family pet or is the pet of a person they know. This can create a very difficult and emotional situation if the dog has caused major damage.
If you have suffered a dog bite or attack, please contact us at 800-676-5295. We offer a free consultation to new clients to help you understand your options.
