Dog bites to the face are likely to require scar revision surgery—make sure you seek appropriate compensation
Despite their often cute and fuzzy appearance, dogs are predators capable of inflicting serious harm with their jaws. A mastiff has a bite force of 556 pounds, and other large dogs commonly involved in dog bite incidents (such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, and German Shepherds) have a bite force of between 230 and 300 pounds. Though small dogs have weaker jaws and less powerful bites, they too can cause serious damage. Small breeds like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas regularly top lists of the most aggressive dogs.
Regardless of which type of dog has bitten you, you may need costly medical treatment. At a bare minimum, you will need to have the wound cleaned to reduce the risk of infection from bacteria in the dog’s saliva. Depending on the nature of the wound, you may also need stitches.
When dog bites are on the face, scarring may be a very real concern. This is especially true in the case of a wound that has ragged edges from the dog not only biting but actually tearing the skin.
In a study published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, researchers found that dog bites to children’s faces frequently require surgery. Regardless of the severity of the bite, the wounds are likely to result in scarring. Scar revision surgery was necessary in 75 percent of the cases studied, and a second or even third surgical procedure was needed in about 25 percent of the cases.
You Deserve Ample Compensation
If you have suffered a dog bite to the face due to a dog owner’s negligence, you deserve compensation. When seeking this compensation, it is very important to have an accurate understanding of the total cost of your damages. This includes not only initial medical bills for stitches and wound care, but also future medical bills for any necessary scar reduction surgery. It is highly advisable to consult a plastic surgeon about your wound and the potential cost and benefits of scar revision surgery before you seek any compensation from the dog owner. That way, you can be sure that the figure you request will cover all the medical care you may need to recover as fully as possible from your wound.
If scar reduction surgery would not be beneficial for you, you also have the option of seeking compensation for permanent scarring as part of your damages.
To learn more about the types of compensation that may be available to you after a dog bite injury and to find quality representation for your claim, call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation.
