Dog Bite Face Scar: Legal Rights & Compensation

Dog bite attacks can leave a significant and disfiguring facial scar, often requiring emergency medical treatment. In addition, dog bite victims can suffer from significant psychological trauma that lasts a lifetime.

The surrounding skin of the injury is usually damaged, which adds to the visible impact of the scar. Dog attacks can leave the victim disfigured, leaving behind the mental scar of low self-esteem. In some cases, plastic surgery may be necessary to improve the appearance of the scar.

Were you unfortunate enough to be among the victims of a canine attack? The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC are legal advocates for people harmed through others' negligence. Contact our Chicago dog bite lawyers today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will only pay legal fees after a settlement has been won. All confidential or sensitive information shared with their legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Dog Bite Facial Scars Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs yearly. Of those, 800,000 require medical attention, and half of those are children.

Nearly one million dog bite victims require medical attention annually, and over 500 people die from their injuries. While some canine aggression occurs during interactions with family pets, attacks by an unfamiliar animal can cause serious injuries, including face scars.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an animal attack, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately.

Dog Bite Injuries

Like most animals, man's best friend will first target the face, hands, or feet when attacking. Even small adult canines can have a jaw force of 100 pounds per square inch, and the scar left behind can be physically and emotionally devastating. The typical physical trauma from a canine attack includes:

• Facial scars
• Puncture wounds
• Visible scars on the arms and legs
• Lacerations
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Fractures
• Bite scars
• Disfiguring scars
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Severe dog bite scars can result in:

• Plastic surgery
• Emergency medical treatment

Wound site infections are the most common complication of dog bites and can often be avoided with prompt and proper first aid. Even with the best care, it is forever once a scar appears. After the gash has healed, it can take up to six months to two years to ultimately develop a long-lasting scar.

The best way to prevent severe infection is to clean the injury immediately with soap and water. If the bitten areas are bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Apply a sterile bandage to the site and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Dog Attack Laws

Dog bite laws vary by state, but all states have some regulations to protect victims of canine bites. Your state's laws will dictate the legal rights and remedies available if you are an animal attack victim.

In some states, the victim must prove that the dog owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous, known as the "one bite rule." Other states have a "strict liability" rule, which means that the victim does not have to prove that the dog owner knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous.

In either case, the victim must show that the dog attacked them and that they suffered injuries due to the attack. The type and severity of the injuries will determine the extent of damages that the victim is entitled to receive.

Medical Treatments for Dog Bites

Dog bites can be severe and even life-threatening. An injured dog bite victim should seek immediate medical attention to avoid infection, excessive bleeding, scars, and disfigurement. Numerous medical procedures can minimize scarring and other complications, including:

• Cleaning the injury helps to prevent infection.
• Stitches or staples help close the injury and ensure the scar heals appropriately.
• Scar treatment and management help to reduce the appearance of disfiguring scars and improve the quality of the skin.
• A skin graft where epidermis and dermis tissue is relocated from another body area is sometimes used to cover the wound.
• Surgery might be necessary to repair damage to tendons, nerves, or bones.
• Cosmetic surgery can repair permanent scars and allow the damaged soft tissue in the body to heal.
• Laser resurfacing and dermabrasion and smooth rough areas and remove noticeable scar tissue and the surrounding area
• Facial reconstruction: In some cases, plastic surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the face.

If a dog has attacked you, it is crucial to seek medical attention and legal help as soon as possible.

Treating the Emotional Trauma over Dog Bite Scars

Vicious attacks often leave serious dog bite scars where the scar formation is very conspicuous, especially on the face. The scar of physical and emotional pain that follows an animal attack can be overwhelming. Many attack victims report post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms long after the event.

• Mental health care, including therapy, support groups, or counseling, can help you work through your fears and anxieties surrounding your attack.
• Anti-anxiety medication can help to ease some of the symptoms of PTSD and other psychological injuries.
• Acupuncture and other alternative therapies help reduce stress levels and improve low self-esteem.

Holding Dog Owners Responsible for a Dog Bite Attack

Victims with significant dog bite scarring and other injuries can seek and obtain financial compensation from dog owners. The law allows victims to recover damages for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.

However, receiving compensation is not automatic. The dog bite victim will need to prove that the dog owner knew or should have known that their animal was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack.

Under civil tort law, a personal injury lawyer working on behalf of the injured victim will prove the four elements of civil tort law.

• The pet owner owed the victim a duty of care in providing a safe environment around their dog.
• The pet owner breached that duty.
• The breach led to an attack leaving the victim with dog bite scars.
• The victim has significant damages that can be proven in court.

Many negotiated settlements are resolved when the defendant's insurance company pays the victim's damages. Try and document as much of your healing process as possible. Photograph and log the progression of the scar from the attack. Include how long the scar takes to heal if the injury improves.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Today for Your Dog Bite Scar Compensation Case

Are you the victim of a vicious attack and have been left with disfiguring or permanent scars? The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can ensure that you are financially compensated for your injuries.

Our law firm accepts all personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement ensures you pay no legal fees until we resolve your case or a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Contact our dog bite injury law firm at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a consultation.

Resources:

• Children Dog Attacks | PubMed
• Dog bite Treatment - Upper East Side New York, NY