Common Injuries when You’re Caught in the Middle of a Dog Attack

They say that no good deed goes unpunished. If you suffered an injury while trying to break up a fight between dogs, or while stepping in to protect another person from a dog attack, you’re ruefully aware of the truth in that cliché.

One moment, everything is fine, and the next, you’re caught in a mishmash of snarling growls and gnashing teeth. Dog fights often escalate quickly, and if you’re caught in the middle, you can be seriously hurt.

Minor Injuries from a Dog Attack

In some instances, you may suffer a relatively minor injury before the dog or dogs are under control. You may come away with:

• Bruises
• Lacerations (cuts on the skin)
• Abrasions
• Fractured bones

Some of these injuries may require costly medical care, but are usually not life threatening or likely to cause any permanent disability or disfigurement. Infections or other complications from minor bodily damage may result if you don’t get appropriate medical care after even a minor dog attack injury.

Serious Injuries from a Dog Attack

Sometimes, the aftermath of a dog attack can leave you with more extensive injuries, particularly if you’re knocked to the ground. Even small dogs can cause grave harm. You may suffer:

• Bites or other puncture wounds
• Deep cuts or scratches
• Broken bones
• Concussion
• Whiplash
• Closed head injuries

New York law requires owners to keep their dogs and other pets under control at all times. A dog on the loose is in an uncontrolled situation and can often be unpredictable. If an attacking dog injures you, whether you were trying to stop the attack or were just an unlucky bystander, the law may be able to help.