According to recent reports, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the US annually. As a result, over 800,000 people seek treatment for dog bite injuries every year. Oftentimes, people notice a lump under the skin after a dog bite. Lumps can indicate a serious problem and may form due to a variety of reasons.
If you notice a lump forming under the skin after a dog bite, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or a veterinarian. They will evaluate the wound, determine the cause of the lump, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Importantly, you need to consult with an Ohio dog bite lawyer to help you sue for damages. A dog bite attorney can help prove your case for fair compensation for medication costs and other damages.
Here, we discuss more about the causes of lumps after dog bites and how a law firm can help.
Lumps can form under the skin following a dog bite for a variety of reasons. Firstly, when a dog bite occurs, the skin can become damaged, leading to the introduction of bacteria into the body. This can trigger an immune response, which leads to inflammation and the formation of a lump, also known as abscess. This is a pocket of pus (dead cells, bacteria, and other debris), which causes swelling, redness, and pain.
In addition, lumps can also form following a dog bite due to hematoma formation. A hematoma occurs due to the damage of blood vessels, and blood accumulates in the surrounding tissues as a result. This is especially true due to the strong dog bite, which ranges from 230-320 PSI. This can cause a raised lump and bruise-like discoloration under the skin.
Another possible cause of a lump after a dog bite is the formation of a seroma. This is a collection of clear fluid that can form under the skin as a result of tissue trauma or injury. It typically appears as a soft, fluid-filled lump.
In some cases, dog bite injuries are immediately noticeable. Abrasions, puncture wounds, or lacerations may be visible on the skin right after the bite. However, the severity of such injuries can continue to worsen over time.
On the other hand, some injuries may have a delayed onset. Bruising, swelling, or internal injuries might take time to become evident. The body’s response to trauma, such as inflammation, may lead to these delayed symptoms.
Following a dog bite incident, the body might release adrenaline and enter a state of shock. This physiological response can temporarily mask pain and delay the recognition of injuries. As the adrenaline wears off, the true extent of the damage begins to show up.
Also, infections resulting from a dog bite may not show immediate signs. It might take some time for symptoms like lumps, redness, warmth, or pus formation to become noticeable. Monitoring the wound may help unveil signs of infection early, even if symptoms don’t appear right away.
It’s, therefore, important to seek medical attention promptly after a dog bite for guidance on monitoring for potential complications.
If a lump forms after a dog bite, you need to seek immediate medical attention. This is crucial for several reasons:
As seen above, some individuals may have a delayed reaction to dog bites due to shock or the body’s natural response to trauma. This can result in a delayed onset of symptoms. A doctor can establish the extent of injuries and provide appropriate treatment. They can also determine if further medical interventions, such as vaccinations, are necessary.
Prompt medical attention helps establish a clear link between the dog bite and the resulting injury. Documenting the incident with a healthcare professional creates proof of injury, which can be vital for legal claims that may arise.
Obtaining medical attention generates medical bills that demonstrate the actual treatment received. These bills are helpful during legal proceedings as they help substantiate the extent of the injury, the necessary medical interventions, and the associated costs.
Also, seeking immediate medical attention helps prevent gaps in medication and treatment. If you delay seeking medical help, opposing counsel may use gaps in treatment against you. They may argue that the injury was not severe or urgent, which may lower the settlement.
If you plan to wait to see if the infection gets worse, be sure to monitor the lump at home. Regularly monitor the lump’s progression. Document any changes in size, color, or symptoms. This information can be shared with the hospital if medical attention is eventually sought. Also, this can serve as additional evidence in case of legal proceedings.
When people suffer injuries due to dog bites, they may file personal injury lawsuits to seek damages. However, dog bite cases in Ohio can involve challenging legal processes due to regulations such as the statute of limitations. However, with an attorney by your side, you can handle the claims process effectively to safeguard your interests.
Treating a dog bite can indeed be costly due to various medical expenses and potential long-term implications associated with these injuries. Here are some costs associated with treating dog bites:
If you suffer injuries following a dog bite, the owner is strictly liable to clear these medical costs through their homeowners’ insurance. However, they may try to lowball settlements or deny responsibility. You should engage a dog bite lawyer to help prove your case and hold the liable party accountable.
A legal firm can help you in several ways after you find a lump after a dog bite. Here are the different ways:
Although Ohio is a strict liability state for dog bites, you still need to have solid evidence to prove your case. A lawyer will initiate an investigation into the circumstances in order to build a robust claim. This involves looking at the events leading up to the bite and any relevant details about the dog and its owner.
Gathering evidence is key to handling personal injury cases. This includes obtaining medical records related to the injury, documenting the extent of the damages, and collecting available eyewitness accounts or statements. Additionally, the legal team may seek evidence such as photographs of the dog bite, surveillance footage, or any reports filed with animal control.
To secure compensation, you must establish the damages resulting from the dog bite. A legal firm assists in documenting and presenting evidence of various damages, including:
Lumps under the skin following a dog bite should not be taken lightly, as they could imply serious underlying issues. The dog’s owner should be held responsible for covering the medical bills and related costs. However, their insurance provider may use tricks to cut down potential compensation so as to safeguard their bottom line. However, the legal team at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz is ready to hold your hand. Our lawyers will ensure that your case is handled professionally and you receive adequate compensation for your losses. Contact us today to discuss your case for free.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
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