Being attacked or bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience that can leave a victim with serious injuries. Bone fractures are one type of injury that often occurs as a result of a dog attack. Depending on where a fracture occurred, the severity of the injury, and other factors, broken bones can be very painful and debilitating. By understanding when broken bones can be caused by dog bites and the treatments that may be needed to address these injuries, victims can make sure they will be able to recover, and they can also pursue compensation for their damages.
Broken Bones Based on the Location of a Bite and the Force of an Attack
In many cases, whether a dog bite will result in broken bones will depend on the force of a bite and the parts of the body that were affected. Larger dogs with strong jaws may break or crush bones when biting a person on their arms or legs. However, bites from dogs of any size may cause fractures in parts of the body with smaller, more delicate bones, such as the hands or feet.
The severity of an attack can also affect whether fractures occur. The greater the force used by a dog when biting or attacking someone, the more severe the person’s injuries are likely to be. If the dog is larger or more aggressive, the chances of fractures increase. If a dog continues to bite someone on multiple parts of their body, the attack could lead to several broken bones.
Broken bones can also occur due to other factors in a dog attack. If a dog knocks someone off their feet, they may fall to the ground and suffer multiple types of fractures. These injuries may be more likely if a person was walking on a hard surface such as a sidewalk or paved road when they were attacked by a dog. The impact with these surfaces or other nearby objects could result in broken arms, legs, hips, or ribs, and if a person hits their head, they may experience skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries.
Treatment for Broken Bones Caused by Dog Bites
For anyone who has been bitten or attacked by a dog, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately to determine the extent of the injuries. X-rays may be taken to confirm whether a broken bone has occurred. In many cases, bones may be set in place, and casts may be used to hold them together until they can fully heal.
In more severe cases, the victim might need surgery to restore mobility and function. Bones that were crushed, shattered, or broken into multiple pieces may need to be held together using rods or screws, and they may take longer to heal. Other complicating factors such as infections may also need to be addressed. In these cases, a person may experience disabilities that affect their ability to use the parts of the body where a bite occurred, and they may require ongoing treatment such as physical therapy to restore their range of motion. In some cases, a person may never fully recover from a serious fracture, and they may experience permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work and perform daily activities.
Contact Our Illinois Dog Bite Broken Bone Attorneys
Victims of dog bites and attacks can face substantial medical bills, including hospitalization, medication, surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Broken bones and other injuries may lead to permanent disabilities or disfigurement. To ensure that they can recover from these injuries, victims may seek financial compensation from the owner of a dog that attacked them. At [[title]], our Will County dog bite injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from a dog attack. Contact us at [[phone]] to arrange a complimentary consultation.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dog-bite-treatment
https://handandwristinstitute.com/animal-bites-on-arm/
https://www.michaelnewmandpm.com/component/k2/item/1229-broken-feet-from-dog-bites.html