Dog Attacks Can Cause Much More than Bite Wounds

Dog bites are a serious problem in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. Each year, thousands of people, many of them children, suffer injuries from dog attacks.

While most people think of dog bites as causing puncture wounds and lacerations, the reality is that dog attacks can lead to far more devastating injuries and long-term trauma. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a vicious dog attack in New Orleans, it’s time to speak with our experienced New Orleans dog bite lawyers.

The Physical Injuries from Dog Attacks Can Be Severe

When dogs attack, their powerful jaws can cause significant physical trauma. Dog bites can crush, tear, and deeply puncture flesh and muscle tissue. Depending on the size and strength of the dog and where the bites occur on the body, injuries can include:

• Deep lacerations requiring stitches and leaving permanent scars
• Torn muscles, ligaments and tendons
• Broken bones and fractures
• Damage to organs and internal bleeding
• Severed fingers or toes
• Serious infections like sepsis and tetanus
• Disfigurement and permanent disability

In the most tragic cases, dog attacks can even be fatal, especially when the victim is a small child or elderly person.

Dog Bites Carry a High Risk of Infection

One of the biggest risks with dog bite wounds is infection. Dog bites introduce bacteria, including dangerous pathogens like streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pasteurella. Puncture wounds are particularly prone to infection because they are deep and hard to clean properly.

If left untreated, dog bite infections can lead to severe complications like:

• Cellulitis – a painful skin infection
• Sepsis – a potentially life-threatening blood infection
• Osteomyelitis – a serious bone infection
• Tetanus – a nerve infection caused by Clostridium bacteria in soil
• Rabies – a deadly virus transmitted through infected saliva

Seeking prompt medical treatment after a dog attack is important for preventing infections and other complications. Treatment typically involves thorough wound cleaning, antibiotics, and, in severe cases, surgery and hospitalization. The medical expenses can quickly add up.

Dog Attacks Frequently Cause Disfiguring Scars

Many dog bite victims, especially children, are left with permanent scars and disfigurement. Dogs often target the face and neck, where wounds are highly visible. Scarring can also occur on the arms, hands, legs, and torso.

Depending on the depth and severity of the injury, dog bite scars may be:

• Discolored
• Raised or indented
• Uneven in texture
• Numb or painful due to nerve damage

Disfiguring scars from dog attacks can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. Children may face bullying and social challenges. Adults can struggle with discrimination in the workplace and in personal relationships. Reconstructive surgery and other scar treatment can be very costly, adding to the financial strain caused by the dog attack.

The Emotional Trauma of Dog Attacks Can Be Devastating

The effects of a dog attack go far beyond physical injuries. Many dog bite victims, especially children, suffer severe psychological and emotional trauma that can last for years, even a lifetime. Common psychological effects include:

• Cynophobia (intense fear of dogs)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Nightmares and flashbacks
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Anger and irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Problems at school or work

Dog attacks are often incredibly frightening experiences where the victim feels powerless and afraid for their life. That sense of trauma and vulnerability can be difficult to overcome, requiring extensive therapy and counseling. For child victims, the psychological scars can impede healthy development and lead to behavioral problems.

Dog Owners Are Liable for Attacks in Louisiana

In Louisiana, dog owners are strictly liable for damages and injuries caused by their pets. A dog bite victim doesn’t have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. The owner is responsible for the victim’s damages even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown aggression.

There are a few possible exceptions to the strict liability statute:

• If the victim was trespassing on private property
• If the victim provoked the dog
• If the dog was protecting its owner or property

However, these defenses may not apply if the victim was a young child who didn’t understand the consequences of their actions. Our experienced dog bite attorneys can assess the facts of your case and determine the best path to recover compensation.

How Our New Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

Dog bite cases can be complicated, requiring knowledge of both personal injury law and local animal control ordinances. Our experienced New Orleans dog bite lawyers can be your advocates during this difficult time and handle all aspects of your case, including:

• Investigating the attack and gathering evidence
• Identifying all potential sources of compensation
• Calculating the full value of your damages
• Filing insurance claims and handling negotiations
• Preparing your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
• Getting your medical bills paid while your case is pending

Depending on the circumstances of the attack and the severity of the injuries, dog bite victims may be entitled to significant compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases of extreme misconduct, such as if the dog owner knew their pet was vicious but failed to take proper precautions, punitive damages may also be awarded. Our experienced attorneys know how to build a strong case and maximize your compensation.

Get the Legal Help You Need After a New Orleans Dog Attack

If you or a family member has been injured by a vicious dog in New Orleans, don’t hesitate to seek the legal representation you need and deserve. The devoted dog bite attorneys at Egenberg Trial Lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured victims. We understand the devastating impact a dog attack can have on your life, and we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.

Don’t let a dog owner’s negligence go unchallenged. Contact Egenberg Trial Lawyers today at (504) 229-5700 to schedule your free case evaluation with a top New Orleans dog bite lawyer. We’re ready to put our experience and resources to work for you.