If you believe that a dog or another animal injured you, we want to make sure that you are aware of the important laws and the steps you need to take in order to protect your rights. After being bitten by a dog, the first thing someone needs to do is wash out the wound with soap and water for at least 10 minutes. Then, the victim should then call 911 immediately and try to determine if any evidence was left behind, such as hair from the attacking animal’s coat, saliva from biting (bleeding may slow down), or broken teeth fragments.
It is also essential to seek legal assistance from an injury lawyer in Sacramento if you were attacked by another individual’s pets. Because California law does not require property owners to remove an animal from their yard that is causing a nuisance, you may be able to gain compensation for the wrongdoing. However, it can take years before the owners of the offending pet agree to accept responsibility. Once they do so, you will receive money for your injuries. However, no one can begin collecting legal compensation until the victim has suffered physical and emotional trauma.
We will now see the most common injuries sustained from animal attacks or dog bites in Sacramento.
- Broken bones
Broken bones or fractures are one of the most common injuries sustained from an animal attack. Dog attacks can result in an array of serious conditions, including broken bones, strains, and sprains to your leg, ankle, hip, and back.
- Lacerations
The act of biting can lead to deep cuts that require stitches. These wounds are very painful and can result in permanent scarring. This is especially true for young children injured by a dog bite.
- Puncture wounds
The sharp teeth of animals like dogs and cats can inflict multiple puncture wounds. If the attacker is a dog, their teeth could even penetrate the victim’s skull. If it is a cat, their claws can puncture the skin and invade organs.
- Scarring and disfigurement
Dog bites can disfigure or scar your skin forever. This is especially true for younger victims who are often bitten on the hands and faces. Scarring can cause you to become scared of dogs or other animals for the rest of your life.
- Mental trauma
Dog bites can cause a victim to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This type of mental illness often plagues children who are bitten because they suffer flashbacks to the incident that occurred and may even experience panic attacks. Dog bites can cause infection as well.
