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Home / Blog / Blog / The Ultimate Guide to Dog Bite Nerve Injuries in New Jersey

August 16, 2019 - Blog, Dog Injuries

The Ultimate Guide to Dog Bite Nerve Injuries in New Jersey

Table of Contents

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  • Why Dog Bite Nerve Injuries Are So Serious
  • How Dog Bites Injure Nerves
  • Types of Nerve Injuries After a Dog Bite
    • 1. Neuropraxia
    • 2. Axonotmesis
    • 3. Neurotmesis
    • 4. Sensory Nerve Damage
    • 5. Motor Nerve Damage
  • Common Signs of Dog Bite Nerve Injuries
  • Body Areas Frequently Affected
  • What a Dog Bite Victim Should Do After Suspected Nerve Damage
  • Treatment Options for Dog Bite Nerve Injuries
  • Compensation May Include
  • Free Consultation With New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer David Cowhey
  • Frequently Asked Dog Bite Nerve Injury Questions
    • Can a dog bite cause permanent nerve damage?
    • How do I know if a dog bite damaged a nerve?
    • Should I go to the hospital even if the bite looks small?
    • Can I recover compensation for nerve damage after a dog bite in New Jersey?
    • How long do I have to bring a claim?
  • Speak With David Cowhey Today

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

  1. Seek immediate medical care. A doctor can clean the wound, prevent infection, and assess deeper injuries.
  2. Report the attack. Notify local animal control or police when appropriate.
  3. Document everything. Take photos of wounds, torn clothing, the location, and visible swelling.
  4. Track symptoms. Record numbness, weakness, pain levels, and mobility issues.
  5. Attend follow-up care. Specialists may recommend imaging, nerve studies, physical therapy, or surgery.
  6. Preserve records. Save bills, prescriptions, and proof of missed work.
  7. 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 Call

Frequently 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.

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Dave was awesome helping me through the nightmare world of insurance claims after my daughter was attacked by a neighbors dog. Dave is very friendly, always available and extremally knowledgeable and connected to this process. I highly recommend you call him about your case,

John L.

David Cowhey, Esq. did a great job for my daughter, who had been bit by a dog and left with a scar on her leg. He is an extremely competent and responsive attorney. The whole process was very easy and he negotiated a great settlement! We are very happy. Highly recommend his professional services!!

J S

My experience with David Cowhey was amazing, he is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer. I got bit by a dog and it left a very noticeable scar on my leg and David was great to have on my side. He’s very easy to work with, would definitely recommend if you’re going through the same thing!

Michaela S.

Dave is so professional. My daughter was 6 when she was attacked by a friend of the family dog. I contacted Dave’s office and spoke with his secretary. She was so friendly and asked questions that made me feel comfortable. I was amazed by how fast the service was and everything was easy to understand. Dave made sure my daughter was compensated for her injuries and along with pain & suffering. There couldn’t be a more perfect choice but that’s because God helped me choose this great lawyer! He did an excellent job!!! She is 7 now and We are now able to move on better because of the help of Dave. Pick this lawyer!! I PROMISE YOU WONT REGRET ANYTHING AT ALL‼️ Thank you Dave!

Nieja M,

My entire experience with Dave and his team was 5 stars. They specialize in one thing, and this experience taught me why you want an attorney who specializes. Dave's knowledge, experience, and confidence is what made things go smoothly and quickly. Professional and quick responses always. If someone was bitten by a dog I recommend this guy, he will get you what you deserve.

Morgan K.

My wife got bit by a dog last spring; she immediately received medical care and we made a police report- all within 2 hours. Shortly thereafter, we decided to choose Attorney David to represent her. He walked us through the process. It is much more comfortable knowing that his practice only involves dog bites. He knows his stuff! We have just received notice that a fair settlement has been reached. If you have been bitten by a dog, my wife and I would highly recommend David Cowhey for an attorney. Thank you to David and his professional staff!

David D.

My 8 year old son was bitten by a neighborhood dog, leaving permanent scars on his abdomen. I immediately contacted David Cowhey. He explained the process very clearly and made it very easy for us to come to a fair settlement for my son. He was a perfect advocate for us, and he is very compassionate for the victim. We are very pleased with the hard work David has done for our son.

Stephanie D.

Lawyer Dave Cowhey (& his office) helped my wife, son and me immensely over the past 15 months. He is tremendously professional, responsive and proactive, as well as being, a great attorney. Thanks to Dave, we are now able to put our 'incident' behind us. I highly recommend his services - he will work hard and long for you to get you the settlement you deserve.

Seth K G

My experience with Dave and his law firm was wonderful. While I was nervous to start the process of something that I knew nothing about, he was extremely helpful and explained everything clearly and concisely. He answered all of my questions - day or night, weekday or weekend, and made sure I was comfortable at each step. I would highly recommend Dave and his firm!

Ariella L.

I absolutely loved my entire time of working with with Dave. He always kept my best interest in mind and made sure that I was taking care of. He was amazing at communicating all steps in the process with me, and never hesitated to answer any of my questions. Would highly recommend!

Amanda G.

Dave was extremely responsive and guided me thru the process with compassion. His specialization in dog bites really helped facilitate the process. He knows all the insurance issues and, despite the backlog of cases due to Covid, was able to settle my claim for more than we anticipated as well as earlier. I would definitely recommend Dave as I felt comfortable that I was getting the best advice every step of the way!

Kristen J.

Dave did extremely well by me and my family. He was nothing short of professional and assisted us through the entire process. I called him the day of the dog bite, and I followed his instructions to the "T". Him, and his staff, were knowledgeable on every step of the process. From medical advise, to advise on setting up our structured settlement for our child. If you need help right away, don't wait.... call him asap!!!

William W.

Dave was amazing, he handled my case with care , answered every question , email and helped me to understand the steps we needed to take. I had never dealt with a lawsuit before so of course I was nervous and thought I was going to get ripped off but nope. He was very professional and attentive. Hope I never need him again but should I ever need a lawyer for a dog bite i'm calling him first!

Neyia W.

Dave Cowhey was amazing during our case which was very personal in the sense that involved family members. He was candid and professional and always gave us his honest opinion to all our questions and concerns. He's a family man and understands how upsetting the situations are at hand. I wish he was a lawyer for everything honestly, he was fantastic! Highly recommended Dave and his team.

Courtney R.

My one year old dog and I were viciously attacked by a pit bull. I didn’t want to file a law suit initially until I realized the severity of the injuries both mentally and physically. Most lawyers are all about the money not for the justice and compassion of the victim. I am blessed to have found David. He was our hero who understood our situation was efficient knowledgeable and above all sincerely compassionate

Karol M.

Dave was hands on and always available. Steered me through the entire process and helped cover my medical costs and compensation for my scar and injury. Went over and Beyond and made me feel at ease and confident in a positive outcome. Would recommend to all.

COACH B

Honest, fast, responsive and professional. Great experience working with Mr. Cowhey and I highly recommend to handle any dog bite case.

Lilian P.

We contacted Dave when our 5 year old son was attacked by our neighbor's dog, resulting in deep wounds (and now scars) on his face and arm. Dave was extremely knowledgeable/helpful from the start, explaining how everything would work, and he was always available via phone/text if we had questions come up throughout the process. He always gave us all of the options/routes we could take and let us decide what was the best move for our family. He advocated for the best outcome for our son and always kept us in the loop. We were able to settle in a friendly hearing with the homeowner-insurance company, which was simple and straightforward, thanks to all of Dave's hard work behind-the-scenes. We definitely could not have navigated this process ourselves and we are very thankful for the help of Dave and his team!

Elisa H.

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