Evansdale Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

In the event of a dog-related injury, dog bite injury attorneys offer essential support to the victims. Their expertise in animal law allows them to adeptly handle the complexities of liability and compensation, aiming for justice and assistance for those harmed.

Can a Dog Bite Cause Nerve Damage?

Dog bites can inflict severe injuries, including nerve damage, which can have long-lasting effects on the victim's health and quality of life. A dog's powerful jaws can damage not only nerves but also tendons, muscles, and bones. This article explores the types of nerve damage, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and the implications for legal claims in Iowa.

Ways a Dog Bite Can Cause Nerve Damage

Nerve damage from a dog bite can vary in severity. Here are the primary types:

1. Neuropraxia:
   - Description: This is the least severe form of nerve damage. It involves stretching the nerves without severing them, often due to crushing injuries or trauma from a dislocation or fracture.
   - Recovery: Ranges from a few hours to several months.

2. Axonotmesis:
   - Description: This type of injury is more serious and damages the nerves, affecting muscle and motor function.
   - Recovery: Can take from a few months to years.

3. Neurotmesis:
   - Description: The most severe form, where the nerve is completely severed. If the severance is a clean cut, nerve regeneration may be possible, but recovery is slow and often incomplete.
   - Recovery: In many cases, the damage is irreversible, leading to permanent loss of function and abnormal sensations or movements.

Signs of Nerve Damage after a Dog Bite

Motor Nerve Damage

Motor nerves control actions and movements by transmitting information from the spinal cord and brain to the muscles. Signs of motor nerve damage include:
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Fasciculation (twitching)
- Muscle atrophy (muscle wasting)

Sensory Nerve Damage

Sensory nerves affect sensation by transmitting information from the muscles and skin to the brain and spinal cord. Signs of sensory nerve damage include:
- Burning sensations
- Numbness
- Pain
- Prickling/tingling sensations
- Difficulties with positional awareness

How Nerve Damage May Impact a Dog Bite Claim

Nerve damage from a dog bite can occur on various body parts, including the face and hands. Additional injuries like fractures and infections can complicate the situation further. These factors are crucial when determining the value of a dog bite claim.

Liability and Compensation

Dog owner liability for dog bites varies by state law. In Iowa, it is relatively straightforward to hold a dog owner liable for damages unless the victim was acting unlawfully, such as trespassing. Victims can seek compensation for:
- Medical Costs: Including surgery and cosmetic procedures if needed.
- Lost Earnings: Covering time missed from work during recovery and anticipated future losses if the injury results in a disability.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Emotional Injuries in Children after an Iowa Dog Attack

Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional injuries after a dog attack. These can manifest immediately or develop over time and vary based on the child's age.

Age-Specific Reactions

- 5 years old and younger: Fear of being away from parents, crying, screaming, trembling, excessive clinging, bed wetting, thumb sucking, and fear of darkness.
- 6 to 11 years old: Extreme withdrawal, inattentiveness, disruptive behavior, nightmares, irrational fears, anger outbursts, refusal to attend school, depression, feelings of guilt, emotional numbing, and physical symptoms without medical basis.
- 12 to 17 years old: Nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbing, substance abuse, depression, problems with peers, avoidance of reminders, isolation, suicidal thoughts, physical complaints, sleep disturbances, confusion, and guilt.

Persistent symptoms may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by:
- Re-experiencing the attack through nightmares or flashbacks
- Avoiding reminders of the attack
- Sleep disturbances, concentration issues, and regressive behaviors

Common Triggers for Dog Aggression

1. Fear:
   - Dogs may exhibit fear aggression when they feel threatened. If escape is not possible, they might attack defensively.
   
2. Territoriality:
   - Dogs can be territorial about their home, possessions, or people. Intruding on their perceived territory can provoke an attack.

3. Protectiveness:
   - Dogs might react aggressively to protect their owners or other animals they are bonded with.

4. Taunting or Teasing:
   - Dogs may respond aggressively if they are taunted, teased, or attacked. Defensive aggression is a common response in such scenarios.

When to Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer

For the complete list of things you should do if bitten by a dog you can request our FREE book, "Iowa Consumer's Guide to Dog Bites- Secrets to Not Get Bitten by Your Case" which is available to you with no risk or obligation by clicking here or by calling 641-792-3595. 

Why offer a Free Dog Bite Book?  Since 1997, I have been representing injured Iowans, including many dog bite victims from central Iowa and throughout the state.  I have heard too many horror stories about people making costly mistakes, causing them to lose thousands of dollars.  Before you talk to the insurance company you should know your rights and perhaps more importantly your responsibilities.   

If you need immediate assistance, contact us online or call us at (641) 792-3595. If you are not local to us, we will come to you.