Whether you love dogs or prefer to keep your distance, one thing is unfortunately true: All dogs, regardless of their breed, are capable of aggression. As such, if you’ve been bitten by a dog, understanding the complications you could experience is critical to ensure you can seek the care you need as quickly as possible. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores some of the most common dog bite complications you should be aware of, as well as the importance of connecting with a Sacramento dog bite lawyer to help you determine liability and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are Common Dog Bite Complications?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that dog bites can be incredibly painful. Dogs often have sharp teeth and jaws, meaning they can easily break skin and reach deep within the body when biting. Because dogs have strong jaws, crush injuries are unfortunately common. In some instances, the bite can be so strong that it breaks a bone.
Another common complication with dog bites is infections. There is a common misconception that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans’, which is not true. In reality, dogs’ mouths harbor over six hundred types of bacteria. While cleaning the wound can help reduce the risk of infection, in some instances, the bite can be so deep that bacteria enter the bloodstream anyway.
Finally, some of the most common complications that can arise are psychological. Being the victim of a dog attack can be incredibly traumatic, leaving those bitten with lasting emotional and mental impacts. This is also compounded by the fact that the bite could result in scarring or disfigurement, serving as a permanent reminder of the incident.
Will the Owner Be Held Liable for My Damages?
California adheres to the strict liability standard for dog bites. This means that you do not need to show that the animal had a history of violent or aggressive behavior. The bite you sustained can be the first instance of aggression ever displayed by the dog, and the owner would still face liability for their pet’s actions.
It’s important to understand, however, that there are some exceptions to this rule. If you were provoking or teasing the animal before it bit you, the owner may not be held liable. Additionally, if you were trespassing on private property, you would be unable to hold the owner liable. This is because property owners owe no duty of care to those who are unlawfully on their premises.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in California, it is critical to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes as soon as possible. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve endured. Contact us today to learn more.
