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Dog Attacks Leads to Child Abuse Charges in Colorado

Western States Law, P.C. Jan. 21, 2021

Four-year-old John Torres-Diaz III was severely injured in mid-January by his 21-year-old stepsister’s dog, a pitbull mix. The young boy was joyfully trying to hug and pet the dog’s face with the dog attacked; his father was in the other room and heard a growl from the dog only to enter the room finding his son grabbing his face in agony. The boy was rushed to the emergency room at Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs where he was treated for the large laceration that was left on his top lip.

There can be several reasons why dog’s bite, in this particular incident, it seems that the 8-year-old dog had been suffering from arthritis pains, throwing up, and experiencing diarrhea, making him very irritable before he struck. Unfortunately, the stepsister now faces child abuse charges because it is clear that the dog had aggression issues before this attack, he had attacked an 18-year-old woman at a party just a year prior to this incident. As expected, it was already recommended that the dog not be left alone with children.

What Happens After a Dog Bite

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), 4.5-4.7 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. While there is only a 1 in 112,400 chance of dying from a dog bite, the odds of needing medical treatment are much higher. Roughly 30,000 people a year require plastic or reconstructive surgery due to dog bites; averaging a victim about $15,000 in hospital and other medical bills.

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

  • Scars

  • Infections

  • Rabies

  • Nerve Damage

  • Tissue or Muscle loss

  • Fractured Bones

  • Death

Dog bites to the hands and face can 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-like 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 very important to document the scar and its progress through photographs.

Injury Attorneys for Dog Bite Victims

Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to this family as they help their young one recover both physically and mentally from this accident. If you or a loved one knows anyone that has been affected by a dog attack similar to this one, the attorneys at Western States Law, P.C. are here to help you with your next steps. We offer completely free advice and consultations to all victims. To set up a free consultation about your rights, in the aftermath of a severe dog bite incident, contact us. As always, no fees for you until we recover. Home, evening, and weekend visits are available.