There may be a multitude of dogs who are sociable by nature and might greet everyone they meet with signs of joy and contentment. Unfortunately, this might not always be the case with all dogs, as some may tend to exhibit aggressive behaviors or be prone to lashing out when confronted with an unfamiliar party.
Dogs who are uncomfortable around strangers may exhibit various signs when preparing to lash out and attack. However, if you encounter a loose dog in a North Carolina neighborhood, it might not always be easy to detect the possible signs of an impending danger, and an ensuing attack could leave you with various types of injuries.
Types of injuries
While puncture wounds may be one of the most prevalent types of injuries associated with dog bites, this might not always be the only outcome. Some other examples of injuries a dog bite might bring could include:
- Nerve damage: Dog bites that lead to deep puncture wounds could also increase your risk of suffering nerve damage, and similar health concerns can have a significant impact on your health and life.
- Risk of infection: A dog bite could also increase your risk of developing severe infections. Rabies and meningitis are just two examples of infections that remain common after such attacks.
- Bone fractures: Studies indicate that severe dog bites could also lead to issues such as bone fractures in your extremities. A bite to the face could also lead to fractures to the facial bones or nose.
- Eye injuries: Dog bites to the face could also carry the risk of injuries to your eyes, such as orbital fractures or a perforated lens. In some cases, the attack could cause you to lose one of your eyes.
Studies further indicate that dog bites can be traumatic experiences that could affect your life in various ways, potentially leading to issues with increased anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.
After a dog bite attack
While you might wish to take steps to reduce the risk of dog bites by avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals, what happens if dog owners fail to confine their pets to their property? Should a dog escape the yard and cross your path, there is a chance it might exhibit aggressive behaviors or lash out at you. An ensuing attack could lead to severe or permanent injuries and leave you in search of advice on the next steps to take to seek restitution and accountability via the appropriate channels.