Both known and strange dogs can become aggressive with minimal warning. Dogs can cause serious injuries when they humans. Any breed or size of dog is capable of causing significant medical issues for people due to aggressive behavior.
The initial injury is only the starting point for the consequences of a dog bite. There are several common complications, including the three briefly described below, that can increase recovery times and total costs after a dog bite incident.
1. Infected bite wounds
The tapered shape of a dog’s teeth makes dog bite wounds difficult to properly clean. Approximately one in five people bitten by a dog develops an infection afterward. Infections can be serious enough to require hospitalization or at least medication and can increase recovery time.
2. Disfiguring scars
The damage to the tissue caused by a dog bite may result in the injury scarring worse than a different wound in the same location. The scars produced after a dog bite incident can affect a person’s mental health and also their physical capabilities by limiting their mobility.
3. Mental health consequences
Young people and those seriously injured in dog bites are especially vulnerable to mental health consequences. They may develop a phobia of dogs or a fear of similar environments. If a person feared for their life during an attack, they might even develop post-traumatic stress disorder.
Understanding the long-term implications of dog bite injuries can help people pursue an appropriate amount of compensation for medical bills and other expenses and damages. Those injured by aggressive dogs may need help negotiating with insurance providers or preparing for a lawsuit.