Missouri Dog Bite Injury Claims
Dog Bite Injury Treatment in Missouri
Dogs have rounded teeth and powerful jaws that exert enough force to damage tissue, muscles and even bones. Victims of serious dog attacks often suffer serious injuries that require extensive treatment including surgery. Victims of dog bites need to seek medical attention immediately following the incident. It is also in the best interest of a Missouri dog bite victim to seek the guidance of a skilled dog attack attorney to obtain more information about how to pursue their legal rights.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If the attack resulted in minimal abrasions and there is very little pain, the victim may not need to seek medical attention assuming the rabies immunization status of the dog is known. If, however, there are any of the following symptoms, medical attention should be sought immediately:
- Skin lacerations and punctures: Depending on the depth of the bite, these types of wounds may not heal on their own. Stitches and plastic surgery may be needed.
- Pain: Any serious pain around the injury site may be a sign of damage to the underlying nerves and muscles.
- Signs of infections: Pus, fluid drainage and swelling could be signs of a serious infection.
Children attacked by a dog should be given medical treatment right away no matter how minor the injuries may appear.
Treatment for Dog Bites
There are three most important treatment issues a doctor will look at following a dog attack. They include:
- Skin damage
- Underlying damage to muscles, nerves and bones
- Infections
Anyone without medical training can see when there is visible damage to the skin. But only a skilled medical professional can assess the full damage of an attack and the extent of the injuries. When tendons are ruptured, for example, the damage may not be visible underneath the skin. Tendon and muscle damage could affect the person's ability to use that part of the body. Infections such streptococcus and staphylococcus can be very detrimental to one's health. Sometimes, infections may even be fatal.
Doctors will probably need to clean the wounds and explore the extent of the damage. The bacteria will be cleaned out with a saline. The doctor will have to decide if stitches are appropriate for closing up the wound. While stitches may be the best cosmetic option, they also may come with a greater risk of infection. In serious cases, these decisions may have to be made by the doctor in the operating room.
Receiving Rabies Treatments
All dog owners should possess proof of rabies vaccinations. In circumstances where it is not clear if the dog had rabies or not, the victim will have to determine if they should be treated for rabies as a preventive measure. There are many signs of rabies such as foaming of the mouth and unusual behavior. But these signs to not have to be present for rabies to be in the dog’s system.
The dog attack attorneys at Page Law understand the financial, physical and emotional burdens suffered by a dog bite victim and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Missouri, you could seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery and all expenses incurred as a result of the injuries. Call our law offices today to find out how we can help.
