Dog Bite Nerve Damage Injuries

Attorneys for Nerve Injuries from Dog Attacks in Naperville and DuPage County

Being attacked by a dog can be a frightening experience, and dog bite victims can suffer severe injuries that have long-lasting or even permanent effects. Nerve injuries can be especially painful, and in some cases, they may result in permanent disability. Victims of dog bites will want to be sure to fully understand how these types of injuries will impact their life in order to recover compensation from the owner of the animal that attacked them.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we have extensive experience representing personal injury victims, and we understand the physical pain and emotional trauma that can result from a serious dog bite. We will work with you to document the full extent of your injuries, and we will provide the legal representation you need as you seek compensation that addresses the damages you have suffered.

Nerve Damage From Dog Bites

The nervous system carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Injuries to the nerves can result in sharp pain, loss of sensation, or paralysis in different parts of the body. Because dogs have long, sharp teeth and strong jaws, dog bites that break the skin and penetrate into the underlying tissue may result in damage to the nerves.

Nerve injuries typically fall into one of three categories:

• Neuropraxia involves the stretching of a nerve, resulting in damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve tissue. This may occur when a bite results in crushing a body part, or when non-bite injuries occur during a dog attack. Because the nerve tissue itself is not damaged, these types of injuries typically do not result in permanent disability. However, they may cause numbness or a burning sensation in the areas of the body affected, and they may take weeks or months to fully heal. During recovery, a victim may suffer temporary disability due to loss of function in the area where the injury occurred, and treatment such as physical therapy may be needed to regain a full range of motion.
• Axonotmesis involves damage to both the myelin sheath and the axons surrounding a nerve, and it often occurs when a nerve is stretched or crushed. This may result in weakness, loss of function, or paralysis in the area of the body affected, as well as serious pain. In these cases, full recovery may be possible, although the recovery period can take between several months and multiple years.
• Neurotmesis is the most serious type of nerve injury, and it occurs when a nerve is completely severed. This can result in severe pain and loss of function or sensation in the area affected. This type of injury often causes permanent nerve damage. It may be possible to surgically repair the nerves, but in many cases, full function cannot be restored, and a victim may be permanently disabled. 

Contact a DuPage County Dog Attack Injury Attorney

In the immediate aftermath of a dog bite, you may be shaken up, and you might not realize the full extent of your injuries. It is important to receive medical treatment as soon as possible to ensure that any serious injuries are identified. Our personal injury lawyers can help ensure that the damages you have suffered are fully documented, and we will work with you to recover compensation from the owner of the animal that attacked you. To arrange a free consultation and learn more about how we can help with a dog bite injury, contact us at 630-552-6860.