Unpaid medical bills are a huge burden for many people. In September, LendingTree reported that 23% of Americans have unpaid medical debt. Six percent of them have medical debt exceeding $1,000.
Some medical debt arises due to injuries children suffer from. One of the most common injuries children deal with are dog bites.
As we stated in the past, injury lawyers can help with medical debt. This article will talk about a specific type of personal injury lawyer that specializes in dog bites.
Child Medical Bills Caused by Dog Bites Are a Big Problem for Many Families
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that about 800,000 people need medical attention every year due to dog bites. Children are most likely to suffer from dog bites, because they are smaller and more likely to be targeted by vicious dogs. They also have more fragile skin and a more difficult time fighting dogs off.
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As a result, it can be difficult for children to avoid needing medical care after getting bitten by a dog. Therefore, families need to know how to pay for their medical treatment.
How Serious Are Dog Bites For Children: What Parents Need To Know
Dogs are fun, loving, and loyal companions but can also be unpredictable and dangerous. Each year, millions of children in the United States are bitten by dogs, resulting in severe physical and emotional injuries.
Dog bites can result in severe infections if not treated quickly. In addition to requiring medical attention, dog bite victims may require therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For young children, in particular, the psychological impact of being attacked by a canine can be challenging to overcome without professional help. Therefore, it is not hard to see how families can end up with medical debt after a child gets bitten by a dog.
For instance, recent studies show that children who have been bitten by dogs are more likely to develop anxiety and fear, both of which can affect their life well into adulthood.
Parents need to be aware of the potential risks associated with dog bites so they can take steps to protect their children. Proper training, supervision, and socialization are crucial elements when it comes to ensuring your child remains safe around animals.
Legal Specialists Should Help Parents Pay for Medical Bills for Children that Have Been Bitten by Dogs
When it comes to dog bite cases involving children, it is essential to work with an experienced and qualified lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of this type of case. Dog bites cases are one of the few areas of law where the victim typically has to prove that the owner was negligent in some way.
These lawyers can help families pay for their medical bills if their children have been bitten by a dog. The right settlement can eliminate their medical bills.
Although negligence is not always easy to prove, an experienced attorney can help you create a strong case to demonstrate the dog owner’s responsibility. Ideally, your lawyer should have experience dealing with similar cases and understand how to advocate for your rights in court effectively.
Parents should contact an attorney immediately after a dog has bitten their child. The sooner you get legal advice, the better your chance of obtaining compensation for your child’s injuries. A lawyer at Blackburn Romey can help you determine if the dog’s owner is liable for your child’s injury and represent you in court if necessary.
Your attorney will review all relevant evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. They can also provide advice about the best course of action to seek rightful compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that may have ensued due to the dog bite incident.
Some factors worth noting before selecting an attorney include;
- Ability to successfully litigate dog bite cases
- Previous success rate
- Positive client reviews
Are Dog Bites Life Threatening?
Fortunately, most dog bites are not life-threatening. However, in the event of severe bite wounds that penetrate deep into the skin and cause significant muscle or tendon damage, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Severely infected wounds can also lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement if not treated quickly and thoroughly.
To reduce the risk of being bitten by a dog, parents should educate themselves about responsible pet ownership and supervise their children around animals. They should also avoid leaving young children alone with pets, which could increase the risk of an attack.
What Are The Common Causes Of Dog Attacks?
The most common causes of dog attacks are fear, aggression, and territorial behavior. Dogs may bite if they feel threatened or provoked in some way.
This could include attempting to take away a bone or touching the animal while sleeping or eating. It is important to remember that all dogs have the potential to become aggressive and should be treated with caution, regardless of breed or size.
As a parent, supervision, and education are essential to ensure your child’s safety around dogs. If a dog bite incident does occur, contact an attorney with experience in dealing with similar cases and understand how to effectively advocate for your rights in court.
Take your child to the nearest healthcare provider and follow their instructions for treatment.
What Other Injuries Could Occur From A Dog Bite?
Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can cause psychological trauma such as fear, anxiety, and PTSD. It is essential to seek professional help if your child experiences any emotional distress following a bite incident.
It is also worth noting that certain dog breeds may carry diseases and infections that can be transmitted through a bite. This could include rabies, tetanus, Lyme disease, and more.
- Rabies, for instance, is a virus spread through saliva and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Therefore, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an infected animal may have bitten your child.
- Tetanus is another common infection that can be spread through dog bites. Tetanus can cause severe muscle spasms and other serious medical problems. Your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot after being bitten by a dog to prevent contracting the infection.
- Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through tick bites and can result in pain, fever, fatigue, and other symptoms. If a dog bite results in the transmission of Lyme disease, treating the infection promptly is essential to reduce the risk of further health complications.
Final Words
Dog bites are serious and can lead to severe physical and psychological distress for the victim. Parents should educate themselves about proper pet care and supervision techniques to reduce the risk of their children being bitten.
If a dog bite does occur, contact an attorney as soon as possible so they can help you understand your rights and fight for rightful compensation on your behalf.
In addition, make sure to follow any medical advice provided by healthcare providers and ensure your child gets the proper treatment for any physical and psychological trauma.
