By nearly every measure, dogs are the most popular pet to own in the United States. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation1 (AVMF), approximately 36.5 percent of households owned at least one dog in 2012. Undoubtedly, our canine friends make excellent companions and can help people feel more secure in their own homes. In some cases, dogs can even provide people with disabilities with essential help navigating the world. With so many positive and helpful characteristics, it is no surprise that it is nearly impossible to leave the house in Clearwater and see multiple dogs being walked, in yards, or riding in cars with their owners.
As friendly and domesticated as most dogs seem, it is important to remember they still have instincts that have the potential to cause serious harm. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates2that there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites each year in the United States. Dog bites happen for a variety of reasons, including poor training, aggressiveness, provocation, or simply because the dog was startled. While most people are aware that a dog bite can cause serious injury as a result of the initial bite, it is less commonly known that dog bites can result in significant complications that may affect a person for years. Some of the most common of these complications are discussed below.
Infection � There is a common misconception that �dogs� mouths are cleaner than ours.� This is certainly not the case, and the reality is that dogs have millions of bacteria residing in their mouths at all times. These bacteria may be transferred into a person�s wound during a dog bite and could cause infection. In some cases, these infections may be serious enough to warrant hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics.
Nerve damage �Nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical impulses between the brain and the rest of the body. When they are damaged, people often develop issues with sensation, range of motion, and muscle strength. In addition, nerve damage is notoriously difficult to treat and in some case is irreversible. Dog bites can easily cause nerve damage, potential leaving victims with long-term issues that could affect their quality of life and ability to engage in everyday activities or tasks.
Emotional issues and a fear of dogs � Many people who are bitten are nervous around even friendly dogs and try to avoid them as much as possible. Some people may even develop cynophobia, a clinically recognized fear of dogs that may affect their ability to function in day-to-day life. In some instances, dog bite victims require months or even years of therapy in order to address these fears and may never be fully comfortable around dogs again.
Ensure your recovery by retaining qualified legal counsel immediately
In many cases, the injuries associated with a dog bite go far beyond the initial physical trauma associated with an attack and affect a person�s physical and emotional well-being for a significant period of time. As a result, individuals who sustain injuries related to dog bites or dog attacks are often legally entitled to significant financial compensation. In order for victims to recover the full value of their claim, they should retain a Clearwater dog bite lawyer who is familiar with representing victims of dog attacks and who understands how to properly assess the value of a legal claim.
Contact the Dolman Law Group today to find out how a Clearwater Dog Bite attorney can help you
The Dolman Law Group is a team of skilled personal injury advocates who have been representing the rights of the injured since 2009. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients and are dedicated to the success of every case we take. In addition, we utilize a contingent-fee arrangement with all of our personal injury clients, which means that you will not pay anything in legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call our Clearwater office today at 727-451-6900.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
References:
1https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-pet-ownership.aspx