Puncture

Most dog bite wounds are punctures, caused by the animal’s teeth as it closes its jaw around the victim. The severity of punctures will vary, and a victim is also likely to have some tearing from the animal shaking its head, as well as scratches. All punctures should be examined by a physician, to assess the extent of the damage and to take steps to avoid infection. Minor punctures may heal with minimal complications, but more severe ones, especially those that include tearing, can result in permanent disfigurement, impairment, and multiple surgeries to correct the damage.

Rabies

All dogs in Philadelphia are required to be up to date with vaccinations in order to be compliant with the laws and the licensing requirements. Most domestic dogs are not a risk for spreading rabies, but there is still some risk, and the disease is fatal if not treated promptly. If the dog that attacked cannot be identified or did not have its vaccinations, prophylactic treatment is necessary. This consists of six shots over a period of 28 days.

Scarring

Around 27,00 Americans undergo plastic surgery every year to correct damage caused by dog bite wounds. With children, especially young ones, being the most at-risk group for attacks, the face is a common target. Scarring can be minimized by seeing medical attention early and by taking steps to prevent infection.

Emotional and Psychological Damage

Children are especially prone to experiencing PTSD and PTSD-like symptoms following an attack, but all victims are at risk. A person may become fearful of all dogs or become upset in everyday situations when something triggers them to remember the attack. Counseling and time may help reduce emotional and psychological damage, but there is no quick or certain cure.

Broken Bones

Broken bones can occur, even if the skin is not broken. The sheer force of a dog’s jaws can literally crush a person’s bones, though broken bones may also occur when a victim falls or attempts to fend off an attacking dog. With these types of injuries, prompt attentions from a medical professional is necessary, and healing time can take months.

TBI and Head Trauma

Most head trauma occurs as a result of a fall as a victim is being attacked, though lacerations and bites to the head may also occur. When the impact is severe, traumatic brain injury (TBI) may occur, which could lead to permanent disability or death. Even a simple bump could result in internal bleeding, so it’s imperative to visit a doctor immediately after an attack if any kind of head trauma occurred.

Death

Sadly, around 30 Americans every year succumb to their injuries and never recover. This is more common when the dog attacking is a known “dangerous breed” such as a pit bull or Rottweiler, but even Pomeranians have killed small children.

Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or your child was attacked by someone’s pet, it’s important to get treatment for your dog bite wounds right away. This will reduce the amount of time it takes for you to heal, and will lay the groundwork for a claim if you need to seek compensation for your injuries and losses later. At Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer, we connect victims with experienced professionals who can help them obtain a fair settlement to cover the costs of their injuries and rebuild their lives. If you’d like to find out more about what you are entitled to, reach out to them and schedule your free consultations today.

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Call 911 if the Injury is Severe or Life-Threatening

It probably goes without saying, but emergency services should always be contacted if the victim is unconscious, bleeding profusely, or is having some other type of urgent issue. Dog attacks claim the lives of approximately 30 people every year, so if you question whether 911 is necessary, make the call just to be safe.

Dog Bite Treatment for Superficial Wounds

Scratches and small puncture wounds are common and these do not generally require emergency services as long as the victim is normally healthy.

1. Wash the area with soap and water.
2. Apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage.
3. Use ice to slow swelling and minimize bruising.
4. Schedule a checkup with your primary care physician.

Dog Bite Injury Treatment for More Serious Wounds

When a bite is more serious, the initial treatment for the dog bite can be, and should be performed at home, though you should visit an urgent care clinic or the hospital as soon as possible.

1. If the tissue is not severely damaged, wash the area with soap and water. If tearing occurred or a portion of skin is missing, scrubbing it can cause more damage and should be avoided. Rinsing it to remove dirt and debris may be a more prudent choice, but if the area is bleeding a lot, skip to the next step.
2. Place a clean towel over the wound and apply firm, but gentle pressure to control bleeding. Whenever possible, elevate the wounded portion of your body above your heart to slow the flow of blood to the area.
3. If the bleeding stops, apply antibiotic ointment as well as a sterile bandage.
4. Go to a clinic or hospital that will provide urgent treatment.

Dog Bites Treatment at the Doctor’s Office or Hospital

It’s always important to have a physician examine your wounds and provide treatment for the dog bite. In less serious cases, this may simply mean checking it and reapplying ointment to prevent infection. If the area is badly damaged, the doctor may have to clean it better, remove dead tissue, and suture it. He will also examine any other areas of your body that may have been injured, to make sure you don’t have any fractures, muscle damage, or internal damage. You should be prepared to answer questions about the animal that attacked you, as the doctor will assess the need for prophylactic rabies treatment. Because Philadelphia requires all dogs to be registered, and to have a rabies vaccine in order to be licensed, the risk of contracting rabies is very low.

Follow Up Dog Bite Treatment at Home

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to stave off infection, and it’s important to take the full course, even if you feel well before you finish your last dose. You’ll need to monitor the wounds for signs that an infection is starting, regardless of whether you’re on antibiotics or not. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, pus, warmth, and increasing pain or discomfort. Your doctor may recommend a follow-up, just to check the wound later or to remove sutures, and he will likely provide additional instructions for you to follow. Bear in mind that if the damage is extensive, you may need plastic surgery and a series of follow-ups to fully recover.

Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Getting dog bite treatment right away will make recovery faster and easier, but this does not change the fact that you will have medical bills as a result of your injuries. The state of Pennsylvania allows you to collect the full amount of your medical costs from the animal’s owner, but you must file before the statute of limitations is up. Those with severe injuries can collect reparations for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, legal fees, and more. If you or your child was bitten by a dog and you’d like to find out what you’re entitled to or are ready to file a claim, contact one of the experts featured on this site and ask for a free case evaluation today.

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