Dog bites can have serious impacts on the victims who suffer through them, mentally, physically and emotionally.
Not only do these victims have to worry about short-term repercussions, but they also have to concern themselves with the long-lasting impacts.
Infections
The CDC discusses capnocytophaga infections in relation to dog bites. Infections are not often one of the big concerns people have about dog bite attacks, but they may cause serious and long-lasting issues.
First, infections may manifest intensely through issues like gangrene, necrosis and death of skin tissue, sepsis, and worse. Some of these serious side-effects of infection may lead to intense problems like organ failure or the loss of tissue or even limbs.
Psychological trauma
Second, the psychological issues related to a dog bite attack may last for months, years or even a lifetime. Plenty of people end up developing post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues like depression or anxiety after a dog bite attack. Recovery rates for mental health issues vary greatly from person to person, too.
Physical scarring
Third, scars may serve as a long-term issue. Reconstructive surgery and other scar therapies are not often covered by insurance unless deemed necessary for a person to live.
Loss of finances
And, of course, the financial impact may serve as a long-lasting reminder of an attack. Between medical bills, physical therapy, reconstructive surgery and potential mental health treatment, the long road to recovery can cost a lot of money.
For these reasons, victims of dog bite attacks often choose to seek compensation for the financial damages they suffered through.