Dog Bite Injuries

Phoenix Lawyers Helping Victims of Dog Bite Injuries

Attorneys at Solomon & Relihan are dedicated to helping dog bite victims get the support they need to recover from their injuries. Since 1974, our Phoenix law firm has done this by providing personal attention, as well as effective legal counsel for each client we represent.

According to statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, dog bite injuries happen to 4.7 million people each year in America. Many of these injuries are serious. They send people to hospital emergency rooms, emergency clinics, and doctor's offices. They can also cause a wide range of problems with long-term effects:

• Scarring
• Puncture Wounds
• Disfigurement
• Tearing
• Infection
• Nerve Damage
• Rabies
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Death

Puncture Wounds

Although puncture wounds caused by dog bites don't usually cause excessive bleeding and may even seem to close instantly, they are serious injuries that can easily become infected. Puncture wounds resulting from dog bites can be especially prone to infection.

If you have received a puncture wound as the result of a dog bite, it is important to see your doctor. You may have been exposed to rabies — a viral disease that affects your nervous system and brain. Because of this, your doctor may give you antibiotics. Your doctor may also suggest starting a rabies vaccination series.

The early symptoms of rabies are flu-like. If left untreated rabies can cause convulsions, hallucinations, paralysis or inability to breathe. It causes several deaths in the United States each year.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children ages five to nine years old are at the highest risk of experiencing a dog bite, and most children are bitten in the face or neck area. The medical problems involved — including scarring, disfigurement, and emotional distress — are often more severe for children.

The Emotional Effects of a Dog Bite

Dog bite injuries can cause more than physical harm. Especially in children, dog bites can have emotional consequences as serious as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When someone you love has experienced dog bite injuries, don't overlook the emotional effects. Make sure that your loved one gets the support they need to move forward in a healthy and positive way.

If you or your child has suffered a dog bite injury, talk to the lawyers at Solomon & Relihan about your options. For a free initial consultation, contact our Phoenix law office. Home and hospital visits are available for your convenience.