Nerve Damage From Dog Bites

Our Michigan dog bite lawyers frequently represent children and adults who suffer nerve damage and injuries in dog attacks. These injuries can be significant and permanent. In such a case, the dog bite victim should vigorously pursue a legal claim against the dog owner.

When dog bites occur they often result in crush injuries because dogs have rounded teeth and strong jaws; thus, the bite of an adult dog can exert up to 200 pounds per square inch of pressure. This pressure usually results in a crushing injury, causing damage to such deep structures as bones, blood vessels, tendons, muscles, and nerves. The canine teeth in a dog's mouth are also sharp and strong and can damage or sever a nerve.

Searching for nerve damage as well as fractures is important in patients with dog bites. Peripheral nerves are usually closely associated with vascular structures in the limbs. Nerve damage caused by a dog bite can result in a loss of sensation, numbness, or pain. In worst-case scenarios, the damage can result in the complete loss of use of a limb. In some cases, surgery can repair the damage.

There are three categories of nerve injury:

Neurapraxia

This is the least severe form of nerve injury, with complete recovery. In this case, the actual structure of the nerve remains intact, but there is an interruption in conduction of the impulse down the nerve fiber. Most commonly, this involves compression of the nerve or disruption to the blood supply (ischemia). There is a temporary loss of function which is reversible within hours to months of the injury (the average is 6-9 weeks).

Axonotmesis

Axonotmesis is usually the result of a more severe crush or contusion than neurapraxia, but can also occur when the nerve is stretched. It involves disruption of the neuronal axon, the myelin sheath is intact. This type of nerve damage may cause paralysis of the motor, sensory, and autonomic nervous systems. Mainly seen in crush injuries, the neural tube is intact, but axons are disrupted. These nerves are likely to recover. Regeneration occurs over weeks to years.

Neurotmesis

Neurotmesis is the most severe lesion with potential of recovering. It occurs on severe contusion, stretch, laceration, or Local Anesthetic Toxicity. In these cases, the neural tube is severed. These injuries are likely permanent without repair, and will likely only achieve partial recovery at best.

For more information about dog bite cases in Michigan, you should request our FREE BOOK, "The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite & Animal Attack Handbook." You should also contact us to discuss your child's Michigan dog bite case.

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