Risks of Crush Injuries from Dog Bites

Most dog bites produce expected injuries, such as puncture wounds, deep lacerations, infection, abrasions, and scratches. You may not realize how often victims suffer from crush injuries, which may or may not involve breaking the skin. A crush injury is defined as a compression of the extremities or other parts of the body, which causes swelling and chemical changes within the affected area. Crush injuries can lead to other medical conditions, but they are also extremely dangerous on their own.

Georgia has very robust laws on dog bites, so victims of crush injuries have options. You can hold the owner liable for mishandling, failure to leash, or otherwise being negligent in managing the dog. An Atlanta dog bite injuries attorney will assist with the process, ensuring you recover the monetary damages you deserve by law. Plus, there are a few points you should know about crush injuries from dog bites.

Crush Injuries from Dog Bites: This type of bodily harm results from extreme pressure, and many people do not realize that dogs are capable of producing it. An adult dog’s jaws compress 200 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI) on average. A Rottweiler applies 328 PSI in a bite, while a Kangal is capable of biting at 743 PSI. These pressure points are enough to tear blood vessels, squeeze muscle tissue, and even break bones.

The crush injuries resulting from dog bites typically affect the arms, hands, legs, and feet. They may cause such complications as:

• Internal bleeding;
• Infection;
• Nerve damage;
• Tissue loss; and,
• Deep bruising. 

Compartment Syndrome: Another complication from crush injuries is compartment syndrome, where the pressure in the muscles builds to dangerous levels and cannot release. Blood flow is constricted by the pressure, preventing nerves, muscles, and other tissues from receiving essential oxygen.

Compartment syndrome may be chronic from building pressure over time, but acute compartment syndrome can result from dog bites. This condition is considered a medical emergency. Victims will experience extreme pain, but permanent muscle damage is also possible.

Georgia Dog Bite Laws Protect Your Rights: Victims will incur significant medical bills from crush injuries because surgery and hospitalization are almost always necessary for treatment. The costs increase with infection or other complications. Other losses include pain and suffering, scarring, and decreased quality of life.

You can pursue the dog’s owner for damages for these losses, a process that starts by filing an insurance claim. Many of these claims settle, but an insurer may refuse to pay a fair amount. The next step is filing a lawsuit in court.

Consult with a Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer Attorney About Options

If you or a loved one suffered crush injuries from a dog bite, it is reassuring to know that you have legal options. Our team at Zagoria Law is dedicated to ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses, whether we are negotiating settlement or litigating in court. Please call 404.653.0023 or visit us online today to set up a no-cost case review with an Atlanta dog bite attorney.

Source:

sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/crush-trauma