What Types of In Injuries Can Dog Bites Cause?

Dogs make beloved pets for millions of households across the U.S. The majority of dogs will go through their lives having never bitten anyone. However, with so many dogs, even the small minority that do bite are a significant concern. 

Over 4 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the U.S. Many of these people are able to recover quickly, but that’s not always the case. Dogs have incredibly powerful jaws and sharp teeth that can do significant damage. 

What types of injuries can dog bites cause?

Hand injuries 

If a dog goes to bite, it is a natural reaction for the person on the receiving end to put their hands up in self-defense. Dogs typically latch on to the nearest point of contact, which makes hand injuries extremely likely. 

Lacerations and puncture wounds to the soft tissue can be serious themselves. However, dogs can even fracture and crush bones in the hand and damage the nerves. Nerve damage can be especially problematic because people rely on their hands for work and nearly all other activities. 

Facial injuries 

Sadly, the face is another common target in dog attacks. The face is a sensitive area with soft skin and not much muscle. This makes scarring very likely. In severe cases, a person may be left disfigured, requiring extensive plastic surgery and rehabilitative treatment. On top of that, a dog bite to the face is an extremely emotionally traumatic event. 

These are just two of the more common injuries associated with dog bites. Infections are another serious concern. If you’ve been injured by someone else’s dog, seek legal guidance to find out if you qualify for personal injury compensation.