Anyone who has been attacked by an animal knows that the event can be traumatizing. The treatment for animal bites can be extensive and expensive. As such, this type of incident is something that can have long-lasting physical, psychological and financial effects. New Jersey residents who have been the victims of animal attacks may be able to seek compensation for the various losses they have experienced as a result.
When it comes to animal bites, in 90 percent of cases dogs are involved. Every year in the United States, 4.5 million dog bites occur. Of those, about 900,000 victims seek emergency medical treatment and over 27,000 victims require some sort of reconstructive surgery.
Animal bites can do a lot of damage. Those injured can experience damage to skin, muscle, bones, blood vessels and nerves. They may experience infections that can lead to other medical issues. They may also end up with scaring or other disfigurements.
Those most at risk for dog bites are men and children. Children between the ages of five and nine are particularly at risk. Children are also the ones who are most likely to need medical care following an animal attack.
The severity of animal bites will determine how they are treated. The most severe case require surgery, while minor cases may only require stitches and medication. Regardless, when animal attacks occur, the pets’ owners may be held responsible for any damages sustained by the victims. Personal injury claims may be filed in a New Jersey court in an effort to seek compensation.
Source: medicinenet.com, “Dog Bite Treatment“, Benjamin Wedro, MD, Accessed on Dec. 4, 2016