San Jose Dog Bite Attorneys
After a Dog Bite in San Jose
After any injury, it is important to seek out medical attention. However, with a dog bite injury, speedy medical assistance can be particularly vital, especially if the victim risks losing an appendage or full function of the injured body part.
After a dog bite injury in San Jose, medical assistance should always be the victim's first priority. Aside from the obvious puncture wound or skin tear, a dog bite victim also has to worry about infection. Rabies, pasteurellosis, streptococcal, and staphylococcal are some of the more common infections that dog bite victims may become susceptible to after having been bitten. Fortunately, while the severity of infections can vary, many ailments stemming from a dog bite injury are entirely treatable if medical attention is promptly administered soon after the bite.
Dog bite injuries need to be thoroughly disinfected at the site of the wound. The wound should be properly irrigated to further prevent infection, and then carefully examined to determine whether or not stitching will be required to seal any tissue tears. If the victim has not had a recent tetanus shot, one should be administered to help ensure that the wound does not become septic. Furthermore, if it is determined that the dog responsible for the bite injury was rabid, the victim should also accept preventative rabies treatment.
Many people fail to take into the account the tremendous amount of force that a dog's clenched down jaw truly has. As a result, some dog bites are accompanied by bone fractures, possible bone breaks, and even nerve damage, all of which need to be quickly attended to ensure that the victim is given the best available opportunity at a meaningful recovery. Bites to the neck and face can often be more difficult to repair than bites located on other parts of the body, and may also be have more problematic consequences. Specifically, and particularly with child dog bite victims, a dog bite to the throat can sever blood vessels in the neck, which could lead to hemorrhaging and ultimately prove deadly.
After treatment is carried out, an individual suffering from a dog bite might have to take a regiment of antibiotics, may be forced to undergo physical therapy in order to recuperate damaged body parts, and could suffer permanent disfigurement. Furthermore, the costs associated with a dog bite often linger long after the bite has been treated. Severe dog bites can lead to diminished mobility, which can ultimately affect job performance, and which may consequently lead to difficulties successfully holding down certain types of work. For dog bite victims, it is important to remember that victims are often entitled to compensatory damages to be received from those responsible for the accident.
At Van Der Walde & Associates, our experienced San Jose CA dog bite attorneys represent victims in a court of law. If you've been injured, or would like more information about your rights, please contact us today at (877) 862-6288 for a free and confidential first consultation.
