Why Your Dog Bite Treatment Might Be Expensive
If you are pursuing a dog bite claim, your medical costs can form a huge part of your damages if your dog bite injury triggered some complications. Below are some of the complications that can raise your treatment costs.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition characterized by abnormal reactions to a traumatic event. For example, if you have been attacked by a dog, you might have an unhealthy fear of all animals, you might find it difficult to sleep, and you might have nightmares about the attack, among other reactions. You will need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. The treatment costs can run into thousands of dollars depending on, among other things, the duration of your treatment.
Infections
If an infected dog bites you, it can transfer germs from its saliva into your bloodstream. Secondary infections can also arise if germs, other than those from the dog's mouth, contaminate your wound. Examples of infections you can get from dog bites include rabies, tetanus, and even meningitis, among others. The treatment period and cost depend on various factors such as the specific infection, your overall health, and how soon you are diagnosed.
Nerve Damage
Dogs have powerful mouths, and they can tear your tissues and damage critical nerves in your body. The affected nerve determines the complications you might suffer if that happens. For example, you might experience difficulty operating the affected limb or feel numb in the affected part of the body.
Scarring
A dog bite can leave you with small puncture wounds or big tear wounds depending on the angle of the attack and how long the bite lasted. Big wounds or wounds that end up infected might leave you with serious scarring. The liable party should compensate you for the scarring too. The compensation will depend on the location of the scar, the size of the scar, the cost of removing the scar (assuming that it is possible), and your job, among other things. For example, a huge facial scar deserves a higher compensation than a small scar on your back.
Joint Stiffening
Lastly, a serious dog bite can also leave you with a stiff joint. If a dog bites the bark of your knee, for example, and tugs at it tearing the tissues, it can leave you with a limited range of motion in the affected leg. Joint stiffening might be permanent, or you may overcome it after prolonged physiotherapy. This is another thing the defendant will have to compensate you for.
Note that you will need to account for all your claimed damages to get the damages you are claiming. Contact a personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. For more help, reach out to a company like The Bregman Law Firm, P.C. today.
