Broken Bones From Dog Bites


When a dog attacks, it can inflict many serious types of injuries, including broken bones. The pressure from a dog’s jaws can crack or fracture various bones, leading to pain, swelling, immobility and potentially permanent damage. If you suffer a broken bone from a dog bite in San Antonio, get help from a personal injury lawyer in San Antonio.

How Can Dog Bites Cause Fractureas?

Dogs, especially larger breeds, have strong jaws that can exert significant pressure in their bite. A dog’s bite force can range from less than 75 pounds per square inch (PSI) to over 700 PSI, depending on the breed and size. In general, large, male, intact dogs have the strongest bites. When a dog’s jaws latch onto a person and bite with force, it can crack or break the bones in the area.

Most Common Places for Broken Bones From Dog Bites

When a dog bites or attacks, the small or delicate bones are most at risk of suffering fractures. Children and the elderly, with weaker bones, are most susceptible to fractures connected to dog bites.

The areas of the body that are most likely to sustain broken bones include:

  • Fingers
  • Hands
  • Wrists
  • Forearms
  • Ankles
  • Legs
  • Face
  • Jaw
  • Ribs

Places that are exposed and where the bones are smaller and thinner are typically where bone fractures occur from dog bites. The soft tissues surrounding the bone can also sustain injury, including tears or punctures to the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone

It is important to recognize the signs of a broken bone after a dog bite so that you seek appropriate medical attention.

A bone fracture can have common indicators such as:

  • Sharp or throbbing pain in the area
  • Pain that feels deeper than skin level
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • Bruising or discoloration of the skin
  • Misshapen or deformed appearance
  • Trouble moving the affected area or pain when moving
  • Numbness or tingling near the injury site

You should always see a doctor after a dog bite incident in Texas. You may need treatments such as immobilization of the bone and cleaning of the area.

Who Pays for a Dog Bite Injury in Texas?

If you are diagnosed with a broken bone after someone else’s dog bites or attacks you, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the owner of the pet. While Texas does not have a specific dog bite statute, the courts will follow the negligence or one-bite rule when determining who is liable (financially responsible) for a dog bite injury.

Under this law, if you can show that the owner of the dog knew or reasonably should have known that the pet could bite but did not take reasonable steps to prevent the incident, he or she can be held liable. If the dog had bitten someone previously, for example, or if the owner was violating a local leash ordinance, this could point to liability.

How Can a Dog Bite Injury Attorney Help You?

To get the compensation you deserve for a broken bone caused by a dog bite in San Antonio, hire a dog bite injury attorney in San Antonio. A dog bite lawyer can help you understand and protect your rights during an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, and help you get the medical care you need.

To discuss a dog bite broken bone case in detail, request a free consultation at Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers.

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