Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional trauma, especially when the bites are severe. In Ohio, there were 13,837 dog bites reported in 2021. While most dog bites are minor, severe bites that require extensive medical treatment can leave lasting impacts. This article explores the potential long-term physical and emotional effects of severe dog bites in Ohio.
Physical Effects
Severe dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds, torn flesh, broken bones, and other serious physical damage that requires immediate emergency care and hospitalization. Bite wounds are prone to infection which can lead to further complications.
Scarring
One of the most common long-term physical effects of serious dog bites is scarring. The deep lacerations left by a dog’s teeth often result in prominent, unsightly scars even after the wounds heal. Scars can be itchy and tender and limit movement if they form across joints. Some victims undergo scar revision surgery to minimize scarring, but it is an expensive and lengthy process.
Nerve Damage
The crushing pressure and tearing action of a dog bite can damage nerves and cause ongoing issues like numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in the affected area. Nerve damage can impair motor skills and the use of the injured hand, arm, leg or body part. Pain, weakness, and coordination problems may persist.
Muscle Loss
Extensive soft tissue and muscle trauma caused by a severe dog mauling may result in some degree of permanent muscle loss and impairment after the bite has healed. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can help strengthen the area again, but there may be long-lasting deficits.
Chronic Pain
Nerve damage, scar tissue formation, and injuries to deeper tissues can lead to chronic pain long after the bite itself has healed. Pain may be ongoing for months or years and require regular medication treatment. Activities may be limited by pain and discomfort.
Infections
Serious bacterial infections are common complications of severe dog bites due to the bacteria present in a dog’s mouth. While antibiotics can treat the initial infection, some victims may develop recurrent infections in the bite area. Ongoing infection risk requires vigilance and prompt antibiotic treatment when any signs of infection emerge.
Rabies Risk
Rabies transmission is a rare but very serious risk with dog bites. In Ohio, any dog that bites a person must be quarantined for 10 days to check for signs of rabies. If rabies is transmitted through a dog bite, it is a fatal condition once symptoms manifest. Rabies vaccines and immunity shots are used to prevent the disease in bite victims.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
In addition to physical trauma, surviving a brutal dog mauling can cause significant emotional and psychological issues that may last for years.
Post Traumatic Stress
Many severe dog bite victims develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in response to the extreme pain and terror of a dog attack. PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable fearful thoughts. Loud noises, barking, or dog sights can trigger emotional distress long after the bite.
Fear and Anxiety
It is common to develop a lingering fear and anxiety around dogs after being bitten. This emotional reaction can interfere with normal activities like visiting friends with dogs, going for walks where dogs may be present, or any setting with dogs around. Anxiety medication and therapy may help manage bite-related phobias.
Embarrassment
Facial bites in particular can cause feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness, especially due to scarring. Scars are visual reminders that make it difficult to move past the traumatic event emotionally. Counseling and support groups can help people cope with bite-related embarrassment.
Anger Issues
Some victims develop issues with anger and aggression as a result of the trauma. The tremendous injustice and senselessness of a dog attack can fuel these feelings. Counseling helps people effectively process anger to avoid conflicts or outbursts.
Depression
Depression ranging from mild to severe can afflict dog bite victims. The pain, physical damage, expenses, fear, anxiety, embarrassment, and anger caused by an attack can contribute to depression. Certain antidepressant medications and therapy help treat bite-related depression.
Serious dog attacks often leave both physical and emotional scars for victims. Proper medical treatment, counseling, support groups, medication, and time can help bite victims heal and regain their quality of life. However, severe dog bites result in permanent impacts on physical abilities and mental health for some people. Strict dog laws, secure fences, leash laws, and owner responsibility are vital to public health and safety. With thoughtful prevention measures, severe dog bites and their lasting consequences can be reduced.
If you or a loved one suffers a serious dog bite injury in Ohio, consult a dog bite attorney from Monge & Associates. We can advise you on your legal rights and options to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can deal with insurance companies and potentially negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to court if needed.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Ohio, Iowa, and Alabama.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you’ve been bitten by a dog.