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4-Year Old Dog Bite Victim in Colorado Springs

Western States Law, P.C. Aug. 25, 2020

A Colorado Springs 4-year old girl was aggressively bit by her mother's boyfriend's dog last Friday, August 21st after trying to hug the dog. The mother telling those around her after the incident that her daughter was “lucky not to lose her eyeball” in the attack and her daughter’s face “…looked terrible. So swollen and so much blood and her lip hanging off”.

The girl was rushed to UC Health Memorial Hospital by her mother where she was put on a drip for pain for four hours. The mother and daughter were then transported to Children's Hospital of Colorado Springs by ambulance, where it was painfully slow to get into the operating room due to the new Covid-19 procedures that are in place.

After a grueling 10 hours of the 4-year old being placed on painkillers in the emergency room waiting for Covid-19 test results, she was finally wheeled into the operating room where doctors could begin repairing her facial damage. The young girl is now reported to be on the mend but there has not been any further word on the dog.

We Know how To Prove Liability and Damages in Dog Bite Cases

At Western States Law, P.C., we know how to investigate Colorado dog bite cases to give you the strongest possible chance of success even in "first-bite" cases. What breed was the dog? What measures did the owner take to protect you or the general public? How was the dog treated or trained? Did the attack occur where small children were likely to be present? Was the dog provoked?

Whether or not the dog involved in your case had bitten before, the owner may be held liable for your medical expenses. In severe cases, involving extensive trauma to soft tissues or nerves, injuries, and medical expenses can be very substantial. Often, as the result of a dog bite, plastic surgery may be necessary even years down the road. We know how to document damages claims in dog bite cases so that any future treatment or surgery will be covered in your claim.

After Dog Bite Injuries

When a dog or other animal attacks, the injuries can be serious and painful. Even a minor bite or a scratch may become infected which can lead to septicemia, loss of an extremity, and even wrongful death. While such complications may be rare, when they do happen, the results can be life-changing. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), 4.7 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, and 800,000 of those require medical care. This means a dog bites 1 out of every 50 people. There is a 1 in 112,000 chance of dying from a dog bite. Approximately 30,000 people a year require plastic or reconstructive surgery due to dog bites. The average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay is over $15,000.00.

Dog bite wounds can range from scrapes, cuts, and abrasions to more serious bite and puncture wounds. While there are a variety of dog bite injuries, the most common are:

  • Puncture wounds

  • Lacerations, scrapes, and abrasions

  • Tissue or Muscle loss

  • Fractured Bones

  • Scars

  • Infections

  • Rabies

  • Nerve Damage

  • Death

Dog bites to the hands and face may be more serious and life-changing than bites or injuries to other parts of the body. To reduce scarring and disability, neurologists and plastic surgeons will often be necessary. Do not be afraid to ask the emergency room for a plastic surgeon if a dog has bitten you or a child on the face. Dog bites can become infected with staph and MRSA and lead to a variety of complications including cellulitis, septicemia, dis-figuration, amputation, and, in extreme cases, even wrongful death. Young children may suffer from teasing, self-esteem issues, emotional trauma, depression, and post-traumatic symptoms following a dog bite or animal attack.

Large dogs may cause more serious injuries. Their powerful jaws can fracture bones and remove large portions of muscle and tissue. In addition, a larger dog may cause deeper puncture wounds resulting in permanent scarring. The value of a case may depend on the location and severity of scarring. It is especially important to document the scar and its progress through photographs.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a dog attack, call or text our knowledgeable attorneys at Western States Law, P.C. for a free consultation or even just advice on your optimal next steps.