Dog bites can cause far more than just surface-level wounds. From deep punctures to long-term nerve damage, these injuries often require urgent medical attention and can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. In Michigan, dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation, especially when the injury results in significant medical treatment, scarring, or psychological trauma. Understanding the full scope of dog bite injuries is the first step toward protecting your health and your legal rights.
Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can vary greatly in severity, depending on the breed of dog, the location of the bite, and the age or vulnerability of the victim. Some injuries may heal quickly with basic first aid, while others result in permanent damage, disfigurement, or even life-threatening complications. Medical professionals typically classify dog bite injuries based on depth, tissue damage, and risk of infection. Common types of injuries include:
- Puncture wounds from canine teeth piercing the skin
- Lacerations and tearing injuries from shaking or pulling
- Abrasions and surface-level scrapes
- Crush injuries that damage muscle, bone, or blood vessels
- Avulsions (skin and tissue being forcibly removed)
- Fractures in hands, arms, or face from the force of the bite
- Infections resulting from bacteria in the dog’s saliva
- Emotional trauma from the physical and psychological shock
Some of the most serious dog bite cases involve a combination of these injuries particularly in children who are more likely to be bitten on the head, face, or neck. In the following sections, we’ll break down the most common and medically significant dog bite injuries in more detail.
Puncture Wounds, Lacerations, and Tearing Injuries
The majority of dog bite victims suffer from puncture wounds or lacerations often deeper and more damaging than they initially appear. Unlike clean cuts from a sharp object, dog bite injuries are typically caused by the combination of sharp canine teeth and the crushing force of the jaw. These wounds can lead to excessive bleeding, nerve or tendon damage, and a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth. In more severe cases, the skin and underlying tissue may be torn or ripped, requiring stitches, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery. The location and depth of the injury greatly influence treatment and recovery time. Below is a table showing how different levels of bite-related wounds are classified and the typical medical risks they present:
| 🦴 Injury Type | 📋 Description | ⚠️ Medical Risks |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Minor Puncture Wound | Shallow bite, no deep tissue damage | Risk of infection, tetanus |
| 🟡 Deep Puncture Wound | Penetrates soft tissue, possibly muscle | Infection, nerve damage, limited mobility |
| 🔴 Laceration or Tear | Open wound with torn skin or tissue | Scarring, infection, need for sutures or surgery |
| 🟣 Crush Injury | Severe pressure causes damage beneath skin surface | Fractures, internal bleeding, tissue death |
| ⚫ Avulsion | Skin or muscle ripped away from underlying tissue | Requires surgical repair, risk of permanent damage |
Infections and Disease from Dog Bites
One of the most dangerous and often overlooked consequences of a dog bite is infection. Even minor puncture wounds can introduce harmful bacteria deep into the tissue, especially if the bite wasn’t properly cleaned or treated. Infections can spread quickly and may become life-threatening without prompt medical care. Here are some of the most common infections and diseases linked to dog bites:
- Cellulitis – A fast-spreading skin infection caused by Pasteurella bacteria found in most dogs’ mouths. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain around the bite area.
- Capnocytophaga infection – A rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause fever, vomiting, and sepsis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
- Rabies – Although rare in the U.S., rabies is deadly if not treated. Victims should immediately seek post-exposure prophylaxis if bitten by an unvaccinated or stray dog.
- Tetanus – A bacterial infection that can cause muscle stiffness and spasms. Tetanus shots are often recommended for dog bite victims if more than five years have passed since their last dose.
- Sepsis – In severe cases, an untreated infection may spread through the bloodstream, leading to sepsis—a potentially fatal, body-wide inflammatory response.
If you develop signs of infection such as fever, pus, increased redness, or pain after a bite, seek medical attention immediately. Delays in treatment can lead to hospitalization or long-term complications.
Nerve Damage, Scarring, and Disfigurement
Some dog bite injuries leave more than just physical pain they leave lasting physical reminders that can affect a person’s quality of life, mobility, and self-confidence. When a bite affects the face, neck, or hands, the risk of nerve damage and permanent scarring increases significantly.
Nerve damage can result from deep punctures or crushing injuries that affect the nerves beneath the skin. Victims may experience numbness, tingling, loss of muscle control, or chronic pain in the affected area. In more severe cases, nerve function may never fully return.
Scarring and disfigurement are especially common when bites occur on visible areas like the face or arms. These wounds may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, or cosmetic procedures, and they often have a profound psychological impact especially for children and young adults. Below is a breakdown of the common long-term effects of serious dog bite injuries:
| 🧠 Injury Type | 📝 Description | 📌 Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|
| 🧍 Nerve Damage | Disruption to motor or sensory nerves from deep or crushing bites | Loss of feeling, chronic pain, reduced function |
| 🧑⚕️ Facial Scarring | Bites to cheeks, lips, nose, or jawline | Disfigurement, psychological trauma, surgical correction |
| ✋ Hand or Finger Injury | Bites affecting tendons or nerves in the hands | Impaired grip strength or dexterity |
| 👶 Scarring in Children | Young skin more prone to permanent scarring | May require multiple surgeries as child grows |
| 🧑🦰 Cosmetic Disfigurement | Visible scars or deformities on face, arms, or legs | Social anxiety, loss of confidence, need for reconstruction |
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Dog bite injuries don’t just leave physical scars, they often leave deep emotional ones as well. Victims, especially children, may suffer from intense fear, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress after an attack. These psychological effects can last long after the physical wounds have healed and may require professional treatment or therapy. Common emotional and psychological impacts of dog bites include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, or heightened anxiety when near dogs or in similar situations.
- Fear and phobias: Victims may develop a lifelong fear of dogs, even if they previously felt comfortable around them.
- Social withdrawal: Embarrassment over visible scars or anxiety about being in public places may lead to isolation.
- Sleep disturbances: Especially common in children, who may fear another attack.
- Depression or emotional numbness: A sense of helplessness, sadness, or loss of interest in everyday activities.
Mental trauma is just as real as physical harm and courts recognize it as part of a personal injury claim. Documenting emotional symptoms and seeking psychological care can help strengthen your case and ensure you receive full compensation for your suffering.
Injuries to Children and the Elderly
Dog bites can be dangerous for anyone, but they tend to cause the most severe harm to children and older adults. These groups are less able to defend themselves during an attack, and their bodies are more susceptible to serious injury and long-term damage.
Children are often bitten on the face, neck, or head because of their height. Their thinner skin and smaller frame make them more vulnerable to deep puncture wounds, fractures, and scarring. In addition to the physical harm, many children experience lasting emotional trauma, including nightmares, fear of dogs, or even developmental issues tied to the attack.
Elderly individuals may suffer more serious complications due to frailty, underlying health conditions, or slower healing times. A bite that might require stitches in a healthy adult could lead to hospitalization, infection, or mobility loss in an older person. Special considerations in these cases include:
Because of these heightened risks, injuries involving children or the elderly are often taken more seriously by insurance companies and courts and may result in higher compensation if negligence can be proven.
When to Seek Legal Help for Dog Bite Injuries
Not every dog bite results in a lawsuit, but some injuries are too serious or too legally complex to ignore. If your injuries involve significant medical treatment, permanent damage, or if the dog owner refuses to take responsibility, speaking with an experienced attorney for serious dog bite injuries can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Below are common scenarios where legal representation may be necessary to protect your rights and secure fair compensation:
| 🧭 Situation | 📋 Why Legal Help May Be Needed |
|---|---|
| 🩹 Serious injury requiring stitches or surgery | Indicates potential for high medical costs and long-term recovery |
| 🧠 Infection, nerve damage, or disfigurement | These injuries often involve complications and future medical expenses |
| 🏢 Bite occurred on public property or at work | May involve complex liability or third-party claims |
| 🚫 Owner denied fault or refused to cooperate | A lawyer can help gather evidence and deal with insurance companies |
| 👶 Injured child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult | Higher risk of permanent damage, emotional trauma, or special needs |
| ❓ No insurance info provided by the dog owner | Legal guidance can help locate coverage or file a civil claim |
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late. Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you’re dealing with the pain, stress, and uncertainty that follow a dog bite injury, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether your case involves scarring, infection, or a negligent dog owner, The Clark Law Office can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand Michigan dog bite laws, and we’re ready to advocate for you from start to finish. Schedule your free consultation today and let us review your case with no obligation. See how these injuries compare to other serious outcomes in our common dog bite injury guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries
What should I do immediately after a dog bite injury?
Clean the wound, seek medical attention, and report the incident to animal control. Take photos, gather witness names, and document everything. This information may be crucial for a future legal claim.
Can I sue for a minor dog bite?
Even minor bites can lead to infections or scarring. If the injury caused pain, medical bills, or emotional distress, you may be entitled to compensation—especially if negligence was involved.
Does the location of the bite matter?
Yes. Bites to the face, neck, or hands are more likely to cause lasting damage, require surgery, or result in permanent scarring. These factors often increase the value of a claim.
Are children treated differently under Michigan dog bite laws?
Children are often given special consideration due to their vulnerability. Courts may be more likely to find the owner liable and award higher compensation for permanent scarring or trauma.
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Under Michigan’s strict liability statute, a first bite can still result in legal responsibility. Prior aggression is not required—but it can strengthen a negligence case.