Dog Bites Arm and Hand
Presidential Puppy Bites Journalist
Most Common Dog Bites are to Arms and Hands
President George W. Bush’s Scottish Terrier Barney made national headlines just after the November 4th election when he bit a member of the Washington press corps. Jon Decker, a reporter for Reuters, sustained minor lacerations to his index finger as he attempted to pet the First Dog. Decker’s prescription for recovery: a bandage and some antibiotics.
A 1994 study by the Centers for Disease Control found that 45 percent of all dog-related injuries were to the arm or hand region, with the bulk of those injuries to the hand and lower arm. The same study found that 26 percent of dog attacks resulted in injuries to the leg or foot region, with most injuries sustained in the lower leg. Finally, the data showed that 23 percent of attacks were to the head or neck region, with the most injuries sustained to the face or mouth.
Recovery time from a dog bite injury depends on the severity of the injury. The CDC numbers found that 40 percent of dog bite injuries were puncture wounds, and 25 percent were lacerations. In a minority of cases, the bites resulted in abrasions, infections, and hematoma (a collection of blood outside the blood vessels).
Cleaning the wound, and applying a bandage and antibiotic ointment can treat minor injuries at home. A family doctor might stitch a wound, give a tetanus or rabies shot, and prescribe antibiotics. Severe cases, where there are injuries to tissue, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves may require treatment by a specialist. A plastic surgeon could be necessary to reduce or eliminate disfiguring scars.
Members of Parker Scheer’s Complex Personal Injury Practice Group have extensive experience representing victims of serious dog bites, as well as iother animal attack injuries. For more information about your rights in connection with an injury caused by a dog attack, or to speak with a member of our legal staff, contact us or call toll free seven days a week 866-414-0400. There is never a charge to discuss a potential case.
Consult a Lawyer About a Dog Bite Injury
If you have suffered an injury due to a dog bite or animal attack, contact us for a free confidential case review and receive a response within hours, or call our Boston office toll free 866-414-0400. If you need a lawyer outside of Massachusetts, contact us for a referral.
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Eric J. Parker is a co-founder of Parker Scheer LLP and serves as the firm's Managing Partner. With over 23 years of experience in complex personal injury trials, Mr. Parker represents adults and children injured or killed as a result of negligence.