As a country, we love our dogs. It is virtually impossible to leave your house in a well-populated area without seeing a dog being walked, riding in a car, or honorably guarding their front lawn from strangers. Unfortunately, man’s best friend is also capable of causing serious harm. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates1 that about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.
While you may be aware of the fact that dog bites can cause serious harm, here are some facts about dog bites that may come as a surprise.
Dog Bites can Cause Serious Infections
There is a popular bit of folk wisdom which holds that dogs’ mouths are cleaner that humans’ mouths. This is not true.2 In fact, dogs’ months harbor millions of harmful bacteria that have potential to cause extremely serious infections. In some cases, these infections may become severe enough to warrant aggressive treatment with antibiotics or even hospitalization.
Dog Bites can Cause PTSD
While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is generally associated with combat veterans, any type of traumatic event can cause it. People who suffer from PTSD can experience disturbing symptoms like flashbacks, problems sleeping, anxiety, anger, and hyperarousal. These and other common PTSD symptoms can make it difficult to work, go to school, engage in everyday activities, and can have a detrimental impact on victims’ personal relationships.
Any Breed of Dog Can Cause Serious Harm
You may associate dog bites with breeds that have a reputation as aggressive, such as Pit Bills, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows. The truth of the matter is that any dog can seriously injure someone if it bites, including the friendly Labrador or Dachshund down the street. Even smaller dogs have powerful jaws and it is important to remember that even the friendliest dog can act out of instinct.
Call a Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been bitten by a dog you will be able to recover compensation from its owner. To learn more about how an attorney can help you, call Leighton, Katz & Drapeau today at 860-875-7000 or contact us online.
1 http://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/
2 http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Health/story?id=1213870
