Dog Attack

A 50-year-old man who was bitten by a neighbor’s dog during an August 4 gathering may have died as a result of the incident. According to an Omaha.com news report, the man was bitten on the cheek by Ace, a lab/pit bull mix owned by a neighbor of the Papillion resident, when he was petting the dog in the backyard of the person’s home. The man did not seek medical attention for the bite, which his wife of 28 years said looked more like a scratch, and opted to clean the wound himself. The owner of the dog had also offered to take the man to the hospital, but he declined. Tragically, he died several days later at Lakeside Hospital.

The 50-year-old had gone to the hospital two days after the fatal dog bite accident, telling the emergency room staff he was having difficulty breathing and also had a “weird feeling” in his hands and feet. The physicians explained to the man’s wife that her husband suffered from a rapidly moving infection that “ravaged” her husband’s organs, which may have been caused by a bacterium found in dogs’ saliva. The bacterium, known as Capnocytophaga, can cause severe and rapid infection when it enters a person’s bloodstream, though it is unusual.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The director of field operations for the Nebraska Humane Society said the animal’s owner was not ticketed and the four-year-old dog was up to date on his license and vaccinations. The dog remains at home with the owner.

Though a dog bite may look minor, if not carefully monitored for signs of infection or if medical attention is not sought, the results may be more severe than a victim or his or her family may have expected. The dog bite injury attorneys in Omaha of Cullan & Cullan, LLC have extensive experience providing legal representation to dog bite victims and have been witness to the devastating effects it can have on a person’s life and general health. As such, we are committed to helping dog bite victims in NE obtain the compensation they need to heal. For a complimentary consultation on your case, call (402) 397-7600.

A dog can certainly be man’s best friend and can be an excellent source of companionship for the owner and his or her family, but under the right circumstances, a dog can also present a danger to others.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in a severe enough injury that it requires medical attention.

These alarming statistics serve as a reminder that dog attacks occur frequently and can be very dangerous for the victim, but canine lovers can help play a part in preventing a dog attack. The CDC offers the following tips for dog owners:

1. Speak with a professional, such as a veterinarian, before you adopt your new pup to learn what breed may be best for your household and your lifestyle. Canines with a history of aggression aren’t appropriate for households with children.
2. Spend time with your potential new pet before you decide to adopt to make sure it is a good fit for you and your family.
3. To reduce aggressive tendencies, spay or neuter your animal.
4. Properly train and socialize your pet. Teaching the dog submissive behaviors can keep aggression at bay, as well as not playing aggressive games with them.
5. If your dog develops aggressive or hostile behavior, seek the help of a professional so your pup can remain placid.
6. Never leave an infant or young child alone with your dog, as small children are most at risk for a dog attack.

A dog attack can leave a victim with severe injuries, both physical and emotional. Therefore, it is important that a dog attack victim seek compensation from any at-fault parties to aid in recovery. If you are the victim of a dog attack in NE, schedule a free consultation with an Omaha dog bite lawyer at the law firm of Cullan & Cullan. We understand the serious impact of this kind of attack and will get you the compensation you need to move forward. Call (402) 397-7600 to speak with us regarding your case.