What Should I Do If a Dog Bite Leaves Permanent Scars?

 Posted on November 06, 2020 in Dog Bite Injuries

A dog attack is often traumatizing in the moment, both mentally and physically, and unfortunately, many victims continue to experience trauma for many years after the fact. This is especially true for victims whose injuries result in permanent scarring or disfigurement that affects their appearance and physical abilities. If your dog bite injuries have left you with permanent scars, it is important that you understand your options for recovering damages.

Why Dog Bites Often Lead to Scarring

Though we often think of dogs as friendly animals, biologically they are predators, with teeth and jaws that can cause serious damage. Research indicates that some dog breeds can bite with a force of over 500 pounds, and when this force is used on a human, it can result in deep wounds and soft tissue that is torn or even ripped away completely, leaving the surrounding skin to scar as it attempts to heal. Medical researchers also suggest that permanent scarring may be more likely when a dog bite wound becomes infected, as the infection interferes with the healing process. Children, who are at a greater risk of dog bite injuries in the first place, also often scar more easily than adults.

Reacting to a Dog Bite Wound

Seeking immediate medical attention after a dog attack is crucial, because the longer you wait, the more likely your wound is to become infected, and the harder it is for a doctor or surgeon to treat or repair it in a way that minimizes scarring. You may be concerned about the cost of your  medical treatment, but the good news is that under Illinois law, a dog’s owner is considered liable for any injuries the dog causes in an unprovoked attack. An experienced attorney can help you file a claim against the owner in pursuit of the compensation you need.

If your injury does result in long-term scarring, you may require further treatment over time to remove or reduce its effects, possibly including cosmetic surgery, skin grafts, and steroid or collagen injections. We can help you keep records of any procedures you have undergone related to your scarring, as well as estimate the costs of future necessary procedures, so that we can determine the amount of compensation you can pursue.

Scarring on your face and other visible body parts that affects your appearance may contribute to depression and other mental health challenges, and it may even affect your personal relationships. In these cases, you may also be entitled to noneconomic damages for your pain and suffering.

Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Attorney 

At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we want to do everything in our power to help you recover from the trauma of a dog attack, including in cases in which you are suffering from permanent scarring. Contact an experienced Naperville, IL dog bite lawyer at 630-552-6860 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201005/dog-bite-force-myths-misinterpretations-and-realities

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7292034/

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704