Dog bites often leave lasting emotional scars, and in some cases disfiguring physical scars or lifelong physical impairment. Victims of unprovoked dog bites in Denver can hold the dog owner liable in most cases and be entitled to monetary compensation for medical treatment of emotional and physical injuries. The types of injuries covered under Colorado’s dog bite laws are serious bodily injuries that required medical treatment or corrective surgery. An experienced Denver personal injury attorney can explain state dog bite laws and advise you of your legal options under the law.
Physical Injuries
Dog bites can result in one or more of the following:
- Scars
- Skin lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Skin abrasions
- Bone fractures
- Sprains
- Tissue loss and avulsion
- Crush injuries
- Rabies, cellulitis and other bacterial infections
Dog bites to the face should be examined for facial fractures and nerve damage. The attending physician’s first priority is to prevent infection from a dog bite, as certain infections can lead to death. High-risk wounds may require antibiotic treatment. The victim may also need a tetanus shot if they have never had one or the doctor cannot determine when the victim had his or her last tetanus shot. X-rays may be necessary to check for fractured bones or joints. Severely damaged tissue or skin may require reconstructive or orthopedic surgery.
Scars that result from a dog bite may eventually fade if they are small. The appearance of larger scars may be improved by a number of procedures, but they are usually permanent. Treatment for scars include surgical excision, pressure scar modification, dermabrasion and special makeup.
Emotional Scars in Adults
Dog bites leave deep emotional and psychological wounds. It may be a long time before a victim resumes some semblance of normal behavior and routine. A common effect is a morbid fear of dogs. A victim may also experience depression, fearfulness, become distant from friends and family, or be afraid of going out alone for fear of being attacked.
Emotional Scars in Children
Children have an innocent, undifferentiated way of thinking, which leads the child to form the wrong conclusion from a traumatic event. The child may feel that he or she was attacked because he or she was “bad”, and he or she may feel responsible for his parents’ anguish over the attack. A child dog bite victim may become clingy and not want to go outside to play with friends or to school. The child may also start wetting the bed or become withdrawn. He or she may have nightmares or become greatly distress during those events that remind him of the trauma. The child may show signs of emotional trauma immediately after the attack or days or even weeks later.
How a Denver Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
The attorneys at the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C., can help you or your child get the compensation you are entitled to. These experienced Denver personal injury attorneys will work hard to get you compensation for medical treatment of injuries, treatment for emotional and psychological trauma, loss wages due to being unable to work or operate your business, and any other economic hardship you may be experiencing due to being attacked. You can get a free initial consultation by contacting their law office.
