Dog bites can cause far more than cuts and scars. In many cases, victims suffer serious nerve damage that leads to pain, weakness, numbness, or permanent loss of function. If you or a loved one was attacked in New Jersey, understanding nerve injuries is an important step toward protecting your health and legal rights.
Why Dog Bite Nerve Injuries Are So Serious
Dogs have powerful jaws and sharp teeth capable of crushing tissue, puncturing skin, and damaging the delicate nerves that control sensation and movement. Even a bite that appears minor on the surface can involve deeper trauma beneath the skin.
Nerve injuries may affect the hands, arms, legs, face, neck, or other vulnerable areas. Some victims recover with treatment, while others experience long-term complications that interfere with work, mobility, and daily life.
How Dog Bites Injure Nerves
A dog attack can damage nerves in several ways:
- Puncture wounds: Teeth can penetrate soft tissue and sever or tear nerves.
- Crushing force: Jaw pressure may compress nerves and surrounding structures.
- Tearing injuries: When a dog bites and shakes, tissue can be ripped apart.
- Swelling and inflammation: Swelling after the attack may place pressure on nerves.
- Infection: Untreated bites may lead to infection that worsens tissue and nerve damage.
- Scarring: Scar tissue may trap or irritate healing nerves.
Types of Nerve Injuries After a Dog Bite
1. Neuropraxia
This is often considered the mildest nerve injury. The nerve remains intact but stops functioning normally because of compression or trauma. Symptoms may improve over time.
2. Axonotmesis
The inner nerve fibers are damaged, but the outer structure may remain partially intact. Recovery may take months and sometimes requires therapy.
3. Neurotmesis
This is the most severe type of injury, involving a complete tear or severing of the nerve. Surgery may be necessary, and full recovery is not always possible.
4. Sensory Nerve Damage
These injuries affect feeling and sensation, causing numbness, tingling, burning, or altered sensitivity.
5. Motor Nerve Damage
These injuries affect movement, strength, grip, coordination, or facial expressions, depending on the area involved.
Common Signs of Dog Bite Nerve Injuries
- Numbness around the bite area
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
- Burning or shooting pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of grip strength
- Difficulty moving fingers, hands, arms, legs, or facial muscles
- Heightened sensitivity to touch
- Persistent pain long after the wound heals
- Loss of coordination
If symptoms continue or worsen, prompt medical evaluation is important.
Body Areas Frequently Affected
- Hands and fingers: Common when victims try to defend themselves.
- Arms and forearms: Often injured while blocking an attack.
- Legs and calves: Frequently targeted during sudden attacks.
- Face: Especially serious in attacks involving children.
- Shoulders and neck: Can involve significant trauma.
What a Dog Bite Victim Should Do After Suspected Nerve Damage
- Seek immediate medical care. A doctor can clean the wound, prevent infection, and assess deeper injuries.
- Report the attack. Notify local animal control or police when appropriate.
- Document everything. Take photos of wounds, torn clothing, the location, and visible swelling.
- Track symptoms. Record numbness, weakness, pain levels, and mobility issues.
- Attend follow-up care. Specialists may recommend imaging, nerve studies, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Preserve records. Save bills, prescriptions, and proof of missed work.
- Speak with an attorney. Legal guidance may help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Treatment Options for Dog Bite Nerve Injuries
- Wound cleaning and antibiotics
- Pain management
- Splinting or immobilization
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Nerve testing
- Surgical repair or grafting in severe cases
- Scar management and rehabilitation
Compensation May Include
Depending on the circumstances, victims may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
Free Consultation With New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer David Cowhey
If you suffered numbness, weakness, pain, or other signs of nerve damage after a dog attack, legal help may be available. Speak with New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer David Cowhey about your options and the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Schedule your free nerve injury consultation today.
Book Your Free CallFrequently Asked Dog Bite Nerve Injury Questions
Can a dog bite cause permanent nerve damage?
Yes. Some bites cause lasting nerve injuries, especially when nerves are torn, crushed, or when treatment is delayed.
How do I know if a dog bite damaged a nerve?
Common warning signs include numbness, tingling, weakness, burning pain, or trouble moving the affected area.
Should I go to the hospital even if the bite looks small?
Yes. Some nerve injuries occur below the skin and may not be obvious from the surface wound alone.
Can I recover compensation for nerve damage after a dog bite in New Jersey?
You may be able to pursue compensation depending on the facts of your case. Speaking with an attorney can help clarify your options.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Deadlines may apply. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the attack.
Speak With David Cowhey Today
Nerve injuries can affect your ability to work, move comfortably, and enjoy everyday life. If you were bitten by a dog in New Jersey, schedule a free consultation with David Cowhey today to discuss your next steps.
