Being a victim of a dog attack can be a scary experience that will likely change the way that you see dogs. It may leave both physical and emotional scars that will take time to heal.
Each year, it is estimated that around 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. Out of these 4.5 million people, around 20 percent of them require medical attention as a result. Dog bites also account for almost 570 million in homeowners’ liability insurance claims.
What should I do if I have a scar due to a dog attack?
It can be difficult to remove scars from the body, and the scar can present not just an unsightly mark on your body, but also provide a painful reminder of what may have been a traumatic event.
When you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to attend to the wound as soon as possible in order to prevent infection and reduce the likelihood of scarring. All bite wounds should be cleaned carefully by a medical professional. When infection and inflammation occurs, the healing is delayed, and this leads to increased scar tissue.
When a dog bite is very severe, a surgeon may be able to help. They will be able to close the wound and prevent wide scarring. If the dog attack was carried out by another person’s dog, you may be able to make a claim so that medical costs can be covered.
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is a good idea to look into the claims options that may be available to you.
Source: Dermaflage, “Top Tips to Prevent and Treat Dog Bite Scars,” accessed March 15, 2018