Complications That Result From Dog Bites

Posted on: 8 October 2020

If you are bit by a dog, the injury by itself can have a lasting impact and can lead to expensive medical bills. However, if you suffer certain complications from being bit by a dog, you may suffer from even more expensive medical bills and you might experience a lot more pain and suffering. If you suffer from a particular condition due to a dog bite, you will need to speak with a personal injury lawyer as you calculate your damages.

Types of Complications

Dogs can often carry bacteria in their mouths that can cause several adverse symptoms such as Capnocytophaga spp., which is particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems, and MRSA, which is potentially deadly and resistant to antibiotics. Of course, the dog might also be suffering from rabies and you will need treatment immediately to save your life. There are very few circumstances where those who have developed rabies have survived.

Compensation for Your Injuries

Liability for a dog bite can vary from state to state. For example, in Florida, dog bites are handled in a straightforward manner with the owner being held responsible unless you were provoking the dog or were trespassing on the owner's property. Also, if the dog is trained to be viscous or if the dog owner orders the dog to attack you, this may lead to punitive damages as well. For example, the dog might be trained to attack on command and the dog owner might unleash his dog deliberately on you.

Punitive damages are not the same as economic damages because they are not quantified. Instead, the courts award punitive damages because they want to punish the defendant for the actions that he took. However, you will also benefit by receiving a greater amount of compensation for your damages. However, punitive damages are only awarded if your case goes to court.

In other cases, you are unlikely to receive a large settlement. For example, if you only receive a shallow bite and the dog was startled when he bit you, this might be used as a reason to have your case thrown out.

Your Odds of Receiving Compensation

Even if the defendant is fully at fault for your injuries, you will still want to speak to a personal injury attorney. If the defendant does not have the assets to receive compensation, you'll need to consider whether to move forward.

For more information, reach out to a local personal injury lawyer.

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