What to Do If You Have Nerve Damage from a Dog Bite
Nerve Damage from a Dog Bite – What to do?
A dog bite can cause serious injuries, including nerve damage, which may result in temporary or permanent loss of movement and sensation. Under Georgia law, you may have a right to compensation if the dog’s owner knew the animal had dangerous propensities or failed to comply with local leash laws. While you might first think of an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer for vehicle-related injuries, our team at Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers also excels in securing compensation for dog bite victims.
If you’ve suffered nerve damage from a dog bite, take these steps: seek immediate medical attention to assess nerve injuries, document the incident with photos and witness contacts, and consult our Atlanta dog bite attorneys to explore compensation options.
Can a Dog Bite Cause Nerve Damage?
Infections from dog bites can also cause nerve damage. A dog’s mouth contains numerous bacteria that can cause infections like pasteurella, staphylococcus, or streptococcus. If the bite wound is not properly cleaned, the resulting infection may spread to nearby nerves, causing temporary or permanent damage.
Types of Nerve Damage Caused by a Dog Bite
Dogs have strong jaws and a powerful bite force capable of ripping through deep tissue and damaging nerves and muscles as well as the flesh. As a result, nerve damage is somewhat common after a dog bite injury. Some common types of dog bite nerve damage injuries include:
- Neurotmesis: This is the most severe type of nerve injury because there is a complete transection of a peripheral nerve. In other words, the damage done is permanent. However, some people may see some improvement over time with rehabilitation.
- Axonotmesis: When a dog bite stretches the nerve, damaging the connectivity between the nerve endings and the surrounding tissue. This type of injury is serious but not as severe as neurotmesis and usually heals with time.
- Neurapraxia. The mildest form of nerve damage seen after a dog bite. However, the compression caused to the nerve can still lead to temporary motor and sensory loss. This type of injury often takes a few months to heal.
Victims with nerve damage from a dog bite often experience weakness, intense pain, numbness, and partial or total paralysis of the impacted area. Treatment may involve physical therapy, pain medications, and possibly surgical repair.
Signs of Nerve Damage after a Dog Bite
Signs of nerve damage may include:
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Fasciculation (twitching)
- Muscle atrophy (muscle wasting)
- Burning
- Numbness
- Pain
- Prickling/tingling
- Difficulties with positional awareness
Symptoms can vary based on the type of nerve damage. For example, motor nerves pass information from the spinal cord to the brain to the muscles to control movement. In contrast, sensory nerves pass information from the muscles and skin to the brain and spinal cord to control sensation.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover for Nerve Damage Caused By a Dog Bite?
Under Georgia law, dog bite victims may recover compensation for their injuries if the owner’s negligence caused the attack. For instance, you may have a claim if the owner knew the dog was dangerous or failed to restrain it properly. Compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses, including surgery and physical therapy;
- Future medical care, such as ongoing treatment for permanent nerve damage;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning capacity; and
- Pain and suffering.
Every case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case to determine how much your claim may be worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Nerve Damage
Can a Dog Bite Cause Nerve Damage?
Yes, a dog bite can cause nerve damage if the bite is deep or becomes infected, affecting nerves in areas like the hands or legs. Our attorneys can help assess your injury.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for Dog Bite Nerve Damage?
Compensation depends on injury severity and may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Contact an Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney for Help
If you or a loved one suffered nerve damage from a dog bite, contact Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers for help. Our Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyers have extensive experience handling dog bite cases throughout Georgia. We can help you pursue a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy to recover compensation for your injuries.
Call us today at (404) 939-9470 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review.