How to Prevent a Dog Bite From Scarring

Taking Proactive Steps to Minimize Scarring After a Dog Bite

A dog bite can be a traumatic event, especially if it causes devastating injuries that could turn into permanent scars. While your physical health is a priority after you are bitten by a dog, you can also take steps to preserve your long-term emotional well-being by minimizing scarring. Learning how to prevent a dog bite from scarring can reduce the risk of your injuries becoming permanent.

No matter the impact of a dog bite, securing compensation from the at-fault party is easier with a professional attorney on your side. Our Chicago dog attack law team specializes in supporting dog bite victims as they seek justice and compensation for their suffering.

The Most Important Step: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your top priority after being bitten by a dog is to seek medical attention immediately. The longer you wait to receive a diagnosis, the more likely your injuries are to develop scars. Medical professionals can assess the damage and create a treatment plan that provides the greatest chance of full recovery.

Your doctor can clean the area to prevent infection, which is one of the primary causes of scars. They can also determine if stitches are needed to foster a more effective healing process. If you want your long-term appearance to be unaffected by the injuries, you must seek medical intervention right away.

Additionally, seeking treatment can have a significant impact on your chances of winning a civil claim against the dog owner.

Following Your Doctor’s Aftercare Instructions is Crucial

Following your doctor’s orders is crucial. All their treatment will mean nothing if you ignore their recommendations after your appointment. The care provided in the days and weeks following the bite is essential to minimize scarring.

Keeping the Wound Clean and Moist to Promote Healing

If bacteria come into contact with the affected area, it will increase the chances of infections and scars. Therefore, gently clean the affected area with soap and water. Keep the area covered with a bandage to maintain moisture, and consider using silicone gel sheets to reduce the risk of scarring.

Protecting the Wound as It Heals

It is vital to protect your injury as it heals. Do not pick at the scab, as this will almost guarantee that you will have visible scars. You should also try to avoid strenuous movements that affect the injured area, because this could cause additional tears in the skin or tissue. The more stress the damaged area is put under, the harder it will be for the natural healing process to run its course.

Long-Term Care for a Healing Scar

With proper care, the wound should heal and close. However, there is still a risk that scars will develop. Make sure you care for this area of your skin with sun protection, moisturizer, and even scar gel treatments. Your physician may recommend additional steps for long-term care, so follow their suggestions.

Your Legal Rights: Holding Dog Owners Financially Responsible

As a victim of a dog bite, you have the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault owner. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/), owners are strictly liable for the compensatory damages caused by their pets attacking other people. Some states exempt owners from liability for a first offense, but this is not the case in Illinois.

Some legal damages you could be eligible for if you have experienced a canine attack include:

• Lost income
• Medical bills (scar revision treatments, medication, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Lost earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How Our Firm Helps Dog Bite Victims

Our attorneys are strong advocates for victims of canine attacks who need help affording the best possible care for their injuries. We can secure evidence of legal damages from the doctor treating your injuries, ensuring you receive full compensation for your losses.

Our team has secured numerous settlements for past canine attack victims, including:

$1,200,000

Toddler Noah was viciously attacked by a relative’s Doberman while visiting their home, leaving him with devastating facial wounds. He required emergency medical treatment and will need additional care as he grows. The severity of the injuries, his very young age, and the likelihood of permanent scarring all drove the significant recovery.

$700,000

Emily was bitten on the arm by her neighbor’s dog in an unprovoked attack, suffering serious nerve damage. Even after surgery, she was left with permanent scarring and weakness that interfered with her career. The combination of disfigurement and functional loss had a significant impact on the case value.

$195,500

Eleven-year-old Jacob was playing outside when a neighbor’s pet broke free from its yard and bit him. The attack caused painful wounds on his leg and left behind noticeable scarring. His age and the failure to contain the animal both added weight to the claim.

Contact Our Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Compassion is essential when dog attack victims are full of questions while facing a long recovery process. Our expert attorneys know what it takes to prove you did not provoke the attack and that you deserve financial compensation for legal damages.

Our legal services include:

• Assessing all losses
• Investigating the attack
• Gathering evidence
• Staying within the two-year window for the statute of limitations in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/13-202)
• Negotiating with insurance companies for the maximum settlement
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

When you work with our firm, we will sign a contingency fee agreement. This means there are no upfront costs for our services, and we only receive payment from the settlement amount if we win the case. This eliminates the financial risk of pursuing a legal claim.

If you have been injured by a dog bite and are concerned about scarring, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.