The Most Common Injuries That Result From Dog Attacks in California

Dog attacks can happen suddenly and without warning. Whether the animal was provoked or not, the physical and emotional aftermath can leave a lasting impact. While not every dog bite leads to a serious injury, many cause harm that requires medical care, time to heal, and sometimes, long-term follow-up.

Understanding the most common dog bite injuries can help you take appropriate steps after an attack, including seeking the proper medical attention and speaking with a legal professional if needed. This guide outlines the types of injuries frequently reported after a dog attack and how they may impact your recovery.

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds are among the most frequent injuries caused by dog bites. These happen when a dog’s teeth break through the skin and go into the soft tissue beneath. Even small dogs can cause punctures if their bite is strong enough.

While puncture wounds may not bleed heavily, they can go deep and pose a risk of infection. Because they often seal quickly on the surface, bacteria can get trapped inside. A healthcare provider may need to clean the area thoroughly or prescribe antibiotics to prevent complications. Always seek medical treatment after a dog bite, no matter how minor you think the wound is, to ensure the initial wound is thoroughly cleaned.

Cuts, Lacerations, and Tearing

Unlike punctures, lacerations are open wounds that often involve tearing of the skin. These are common in more aggressive attacks where the dog bites and shakes.

Lacerations may:

• Require stitches or sutures;
• Leave behind permanent scarring; and
• Damage to skin, muscle, or blood vessels.

These types of dog bite and animal attack injuries are more likely to need emergency care. If the injury is in a visible area such as the face or neck, scarring can also lead to emotional effects that are worth discussing with your doctor or therapist.

Broken Bones

Larger dogs can cause fractures during an attack, especially if they clamp down with force or knock someone to the ground. Broken bones may occur when:

• A person falls while being chased or attacked;
• A dog grabs onto a limb and shakes; and
• A bite impacts a finger, hand, or arm with enough force.

Dog bite arm injuries and dog bite leg injuries involving broken bones often require more intensive treatment, such as setting the bone, casting, or surgery. Recovery time may be longer, and physical therapy could be needed to regain mobility.

Nerve Damage

When a dog bite cuts deeply enough, it can affect more than just the skin and muscle; it may reach the nerves. Nerve damage from a bite can result in:

• Numbness or tingling,
• Loss of function in the affected area, and
• Pain that doesn’t go away after the wound heals.

Nerve damage is particularly concerning in bites to the hands, arms, and legs. If nerves are permanently affected, it may result in ongoing disability or the need for long-term care.

Infections

Any injury that breaks the skin has the potential to become infected. In dog bites, this risk is heightened because of bacteria naturally present in a dog’s mouth. If not properly cleaned and treated, an infection can spread and create serious health problems.

Symptoms of infection include:

• Redness and swelling,
• Warmth around the area,
• Discharge or pus, and
• Fever or chills.

Common infections linked to dog bite accident injuries include cellulitis, abscesses, and, in rare cases, more serious conditions like sepsis. Getting medical care early can help prevent these outcomes.

Damage to Tendons and Joints

Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. In more severe attacks, bites near the joints can damage tendons, limiting movement. These injuries can occur in the:

• Wrists,
• Elbows,
• Knees, and
• Ankles.

Joint-related dog bite injuries can make everyday tasks painful or difficult. Some victims may experience stiffness or loss of mobility for weeks or months. In some cases, surgery or rehabilitation may be necessary to restore function.

Facial Injuries

Dog bites to the face are especially concerning, particularly in children who are more likely to be at eye level with dogs. Bites to the face may involve:

• Eyes,
• Nose,
• Cheeks, and
• Lips or mouth.

These injuries often require specialized care, including plastic or reconstructive surgery. Scarring or disfigurement may have a lasting psychological impact, especially for younger victims. The emotional toll of a visible injury is just as real as the physical one and may be worth discussing with a medical professional.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Not all injuries from dog attacks are solely physical. Many people experience fear, anxiety, or trauma after being bitten. These emotional effects can include:

• Nightmares or flashbacks,
• Avoidance of dogs or outdoor spaces, and
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating. 

Children may experience behavioral changes such as withdrawal, aggression, or difficulty returning to school or daycare. Adults may feel anxious around dogs or develop post-traumatic stress symptoms.

While emotional injuries are harder to measure than physical ones, they are still very real and may require therapy or counseling.

What to Do If You’ve Suffered Dog Bite Injuries

If you’ve been attacked by a dog and suffered any of the injuries described above, here are a few steps to consider:

• Seek medical attention even for what seems like a minor injury,
• Document the injury with photographs and keep copies of medical records,
• Report the incident to animal control or local authorities, and
• Speak with a lawyer if you have questions about your legal options.

California has specific laws that apply to dog bites. In many situations, a dog’s owner may be responsible for your injuries, even if the dog never acted aggressively before.

Talk to a Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyer Who Takes the Time to Listen

Not every dog bite leads to a lawsuit, but many do lead to questions. At The Beliz Law Firm, we focus on giving you honest answers, not false promises. With years of experience handling dog bite and animal attack injuries in Long Beach and throughout California, we understand how these cases work and how injuries affect your daily life.

Attorney Michael Beliz takes a straightforward, client-focused approach. He’ll review your situation personally and explain your options in clear, simple terms. If we can help, we will. And if your situation doesn’t require legal action, we’ll tell you that too.

Contact The Beliz Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn what your next step should be.