Dog Bite Lawyer Cecil County, MD

Dog bite accidents are oftentimes stressful and violent incidents. If you were a victim of a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation from the dog owner. At Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we can help you obtain the payment needed to take care of yourself and ensure no expenses come out of your own pocket. As lovable as dogs may appear, not all of them are friendly to people. Dogs may be triggered into aggression for a variety of reasons, such as to protect their family or in response to fear. Whatever the case may be, if you were bitten by a dog and sustained serious injury, then consider speaking with our Cecil County, MD dog bite lawyer as soon as possible about pursuing compensation. We hope to hear from you. 

After A Dog Bite

If you or someone you care about was bitten by a canine, there are certain steps to follow. Firstly, get medical attention if the injuries are severe. But even if they are not severe, getting an examination by a doctor is a wise choice. Your doctor can treat your injury and then give you copies of medical documentation to use in your case. These documents can support your injury claims and help maximize how much you receive. Secondly, hopefully you were able to gather the owner’s contact information to reach out to them at a later time. If no visible owners were around, take pictures of the dog and area the incident occurred. If witnesses saw what happened, get their name and phone number as well. Contact the police or local authorities, submit a report to your local animal control, and then call our dedicated dog bite attorney about getting compensation for your medical bills and other losses. 

Mental Health Impacts

Victims of dog bite attacks may not only have physical injuries but impacts to their mental health too. Those who used to feel happy and excited to see a dog may now have newly developed fears and anxieties due to the incident. Please let us know the full extent of how you were affected by the event. We understand that you may benefit from speaking with a counselor at this time.  

Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC

Dealing with a dog bite event can be overwhelming, especially if there was serious injury. Dog owners are responsible for how their animals behave. If they failed to protect someone from their dog’s aggressive behavior, then they could be liable for how victims have suffered. The dog owner could owe you payment for medical care costs, loss of wages if you missed out on work, property damage, and more. If you would like to speak with our Cecil County dog bite attorney about pursuing compensation from the owner, please call or email us today. We have helped many people in similar circumstances, who are injured and need restitution from the at fault party. At Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC, we are ready to offer guidance.

Potential Injuries From Dog Bites

A Cecil County dog bite lawyer knows that dog bites can lead to a range of injuries and complications, depending on factors like the bite’s severity, the body’s location, and the health and vaccination status. Understanding these potential injuries and complications is crucial for seeking appropriate medical care and ensuring proper treatment. Here’s an in-depth look at the possible outcomes of a dog bite from Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC.

Immediate Injuries

Lacerations And Puncture Wounds

Dog bites often cause lacerations (cuts) and puncture wounds. Lacerations can range from superficial scratches to deep cuts that may require stitches. Puncture wounds occur when the dog’s teeth penetrate the skin deeply but do not necessarily tear the skin extensively. Both types of injuries can cause significant pain and require medical attention.

Bruising And Swelling

The force of a dog bite can lead to bruising and swelling around the bite area. Bruising occurs when blood vessels are damaged, and swelling results from the body’s inflammatory response to the injury. Both conditions can be painful and may take several days to subside.

Fractures And Dislocations

In severe cases, especially if a dog bites with considerable force, bones may be fractured or dislocated. Bites on extremities like arms and legs are more prone to such injuries. Fractures and dislocations require immediate medical attention and may need immobilization and surgery for proper healing.

Infections

Bacterial Infections

Dog bites can introduce bacteria from the dog’s mouth into the wound, leading to bacterial infections. Common bacteria involved include Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Symptoms of an infection can include redness, warmth, swelling, pus, and fever. If left untreated, infections can spread and cause more severe complications.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. It is a serious concern if the dog is unvaccinated or shows signs of rabies. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and general malaise, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, and paralysis. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is preventable with prompt treatment. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involving a series of rabies vaccinations can prevent the disease if administered soon after the bite.

Tetanus

Tetanus, caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, can be a risk if the bite causes deep puncture wounds or if the person’s tetanus vaccination is not up-to-date. Symptoms include muscle stiffness, spasms, and difficulty swallowing. Tetanus prophylaxis or vaccination may be necessary, depending on the nature of the wound and the patient’s vaccination history.

Allergic Reactions

Local Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may experience localized allergic reactions to the dog’s saliva or other elements from the bite area. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and swelling around the bite site. These reactions are generally mild but can be uncomfortable.

Systemic Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, a person may have a more severe allergic reaction to the dog’s saliva or to the treatment administered for the bite. This could result in systemic symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention.

Psychological Impact

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A dog bite can be a traumatic experience, leading to emotional and psychological issues such as PTSD. Individuals may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety related to the incident. Professional counseling or therapy may be necessary to address these mental health impacts. A Cecil County dog bite lawyer can also include damages for these emotional traumas in your claim or lawsuit.

Phobias

Victims of dog bites may develop a fear of dogs, known as cynophobia. This fear can affect daily life and relationships and may require psychological intervention.

Long-Term Complications

Scarring

Dog bites, particularly deep or severe ones, can leave permanent scars. Scarring can be a cosmetic concern, requiring surgical revision or cosmetic procedures to improve appearance.

Functional Impairment

Injuries to areas like the hands or joints may result in long-term functional impairment. This can affect a person’s ability to perform daily tasks or work activities. Rehabilitation and physical therapy might be necessary to restore function and mobility.

Chronic Pain

Some individuals may experience chronic pain in the area of the bite, especially if nerves were damaged during the incident. This can impact quality of life and may require ongoing pain management strategies.

Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today

Dog bites can lead to a variety of immediate injuries, infections, allergic reactions, psychological impacts, and long-term complications. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential to minimize these risks and manage any arising issues.

If you have suffered dog bite injuries, call Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a dedicated Cecil County dog bite lawyer and find out what legal recourse you may have.