According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S suffer dog bite injuries every year. Other statistics suggest that 1 out of 775 people seek emergency care for dog bites. A large number of victims are boys between the ages of 5 and 9 because they are a soft target for stray dogs.
Jaws of large dogs can exert more than 450 pounds of pressure per square inch which leads to a crush injury that may include lacerations, avulsion, and puncture wounds.
Dog bites may initially seem to be minor, but in many cases, these small bites are proven fatal, and even in cases of nonfatal dog bites, there is a high risk of infections and diseases because several animal diseases can be transmitted to humans.
Assessing Bites
Healthcare providers including nurses and doctors must thoroughly assess dog bites and they must closely examine the wound for lacerations, punctures, avulsions, and crush injuries. It’s always a good practice to take notice of any damage to tendons, nerves, vasculature, ligaments, and bones.
A large number of victims approach court for compensation, so it’s a good idea to keep all the injuries documented. You must keep a record of all your physical examination findings, including measurements of the wound.
A victim must also keep a record of drug allergies along with past medical conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and immunosuppression. You will also need to note previous tetanus and rabies vaccinations too.
Treatment
Before medical intervention and treatment, the wound should be thoroughly washed with water and soap. The soap has antiviral properties that can help prevent a rabies infection if the wound is cleaned fast enough and thoroughly enough. In case of infection, the first signs will be available within 24 hours after the bite.
Different antibiotics can be prescribed by a medical professional for varying durations based on the type of wound. If the wound is superficial or there is a low risk of infection, then antibiotics are prescribed for 3 to 7 days, but in cases of a serious wound accompanied by inflammation, antibiotics are prescribed for 10 to more.
Conclusion
Dog bites can prove to be fatal in many cases and a victim must almost always immediately seek medical treatment because even superficial wounds can lead to serious health issues and infections if left untreated.
It’s possible to get compensation for the damage caused by dog bites because a victim can normally claim compensation for the following damages:
- Recovery of Hospital and Therapy Bills
- Lost Wages and Employment
- Home Nursing Care
- Past, Present, and Future Pain and Suffering
If your child was attacked by an animal, as parents, you are also considered indirect victims. Call our legal gurus and speak with an experienced, leading Florida dog bite attorney immediately. Don’t hesitate. Learn about our no win no fee promise, at (727) 498-8771.