New Jersey Dog Bite Scarring & Disfigurement Attorneys
Scarring & Disfigurement
Unfortunately, scarring and disfigurement are common permanent results of dog attacks. When dogs attack, they generally start by biting deep, puncturing the flesh and sometimes breaking bones underneath. Next, they turn their heads back and forth to tear the flesh they have grabbed, causing significant damage to the skin, muscles, blood vessels and nerves in the area. This instinct helps dogs hunt and kill prey effectively in the wild -- but in human victims, it causes substantial damage that’s not easy to recover from. If there’s an avulsion -- the medical name that describes when flesh is partially separated from the body -- the victim can even lose skin, or a body part like a nose or an ear. Even a small scar on the wrist and lower arm is enough to create an unsightly physical appearance.
This is especially problematic in children, who represent 60% to 80% of dog bite victims. Because children are shorter than adults, dogs can reach their heads, faces and necks more easily. This opens the door to very serious injuries, including fractured bones, significant blood loss and damage to vital facial nerves. These injuries, in turn, can lead to serious scarring and disfigurement in the body parts other people see the most: the head and the face. A small child with these types of scars will have a childhood marked by teasing, whispers, pointing and unwelcome personal questions from peers and rude adults.
Scars can be minimized, especially if doctors catch them early and are able to treat them consistently throughout the victim’s life. Victims of serious scarring can get reconstructive surgery; steroid injections for raised, tough scars; pressure treatments; and a variety of prescription and over-the-counter skin creams. However, health insurers often refuse to cover surgeries and other expensive treatments they consider “cosmetic,” despite the traumatic impact of scars and disfigurement upon the victim’s body. Unless you can demonstrate a health problem or impairment related to the scars, you may be required to pay for scar treatments yourself.
Lependorf & Silverstein can help. We are a New Jersey personal injury law firm with significant experience in dog bite lawsuits. We have helped many dog bite victims and their families file New Jersey dog bite lawsuits, allowing them to recover the money they need for plastic surgery, skin grafts, dermabrasion and other expensive treatments. That money can also pay for medical care, psychological treatments and other expenses caused by an attack by a dangerous, out-of-control dog. We work for a contingency fee, which means we’re paid out of the money you win, not out of your pocket. And because Lependorf & Silverstein offers free initial consultations, there’s no risk in meeting with our experienced attorneys to learn more about your case and your rights.
If you or someone you love is a victim of scarring and disfigurement caused by a dog attack in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free evaluation of your case.
