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Email UsBeing attacked by a dog can be an extremely traumatic event, both physically and emotionally. The state of New Jersey is considered a strict liability state. This means there is no “one free bite,” or a history of viciousness required for the dog owner to be liable for injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Some of the injuries are so severe that hospitalization and long-term medical treatment are required.
Dog bite injuries and complications can include:
- Lacerations. Lacerations are considered deep cuts or tears to the skin. These injuries go beyond the top layer of the skin. Bites can also affect the nerves, muscles, bones, and blood vessels. A laceration from a dog bite occurs when the dog’s teeth come in contact with the skin, and the person pulls away, causing a deep cut or tear. Lacerations from a dog bite are likely to bleed profusely and have uneven patterns. This type of injury will almost always require medical attention and stitches. Some lacerations become infected, which increases the tissue damage suffered by dog bite victims. Lacerations caused by a dog bite can leave significant scarring.
- Abrasions. An abrasion is less serious than a laceration and generally does not go beyond the outer layer of skin. These scrapes and grazes may not bleed as profusely as a laceration but can still result in scarring. While not as serious as a laceration, abrasions should still be looked at by a medical professional to ensure there are no infections or complications.
- Puncture wounds. These injuries occur when the dog’s teeth puncture the skin. While puncture wounds may be smaller than a laceration, they can be deeper, increasing the risk of infection.
- Infections. Infections occur in as many as 10 to 15 percent of all dog bites. The infection stems not only from the bacteria in the dog’s mouth but also from germs and bacteria on the skin. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pain. In some instances, the infection site can feel warm to the touch. You should seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of an infection after a dog bite.
- Rabies. Although extremely rare in the United States, rabies is the worst infection you could potentially contract from a dog bite. According to Kid’s Health, across the globe, there are about 50,000 deaths per year due to rabies. This risk is minimal in our country, but a dog owner who allows his or her dog to run wild and bite people may also not be vigilant about canine vaccinations. If you are bitten by a dog, then you should immediately seek medical attention.
Contact Our New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyers Today
If you have been bitten by a dog and suffered serious dog bite injuries, it is beneficial to speak to a New Jersey dog bite lawyer as quickly as possible. To learn more about your rights, call the Vineland, New Jersey dog bite attorneys at Rosner Law Offices, P.C. today for a free initial consultation and review of your potential case. Contact us at (856) 502-1655 or fill out our confidential contact form. Our office is conveniently located in Vineland, New Jersey, and we are ready to help you through this difficult time.
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