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Testimonials

A few years ago I was shopping in a large chain store when I slipped in some linseed oil that had been spilled on the floor. I ended up seriously injuring my right shoulder and I eventually needed surgery...

- Robert Nutting
My husband and I were in a serious car accident in which the other driver crossed into our lane and hit us head on. My husband broke his back and I hurt my shoulder so bad that I needed surgery. The first lawyer we hired told us our case was only worth a small amount of money...

- Cheryl H
I came from my home in the United Kingdom to work at a children’s summer camp in northern New Hampshire. Not long after I arrived, I was bitten in the face by a large Akita dog.

- Evie Newbold
Several years ago I was rear-ended while driving and suffered a back injury. The back injury got worse and worse and eventually I was unable to continue working as a landscape architect. Needless to say I was very concerned about my future...

- Rick Kelley
As painful as my injuries and rehabilitation were, I truly did not consider them to be part of the nightmare, because they were, after all, accidents. The actual nightmares were delivered through the callous indifference of insurance companies and the sheer insanity of the Workers Compensation system.

- Diana Willoughby

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Practice Areas

Van Dorn Blog

Dog Bites/Pet Attacks

Do chained or tethered dogs attack more?

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Sample Cases

Dog Bites/Pet Attacks

Pit Bull Attack Leaves Woman, 40, "Waiting to Die"

Awarded: $2,100,000

Dog Bite Case Goest to Trial in New York

Awarded: $240,000

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Definition, Causes and Treatment of Puncture Wounds

A puncture wound occurs when an object pierces the skin and makes a hole in the skin. Puncture wounds can either be shallow or very deep. A small puncture wound will generally close easily on its own. However, puncture wounds can be very dangerous as the object that caused the injury may have pushed bacteria or spores of tetanus into the skin and tissue.

Causes
Nearly any long sharp object can cause a puncture wound. Some of the more common objects that cause this type of wound are:

Nails
Broken glass
Needles and pins
Dog teeth
Cat or other animal teeth
Knives
Splinters

Some of these objects, such as nails and splinters, cause many injuries on construction sites. Animal bites are a common cause of puncture wounds and they carry with them a higher than usual risk of infection. Some puncture wounds may not be an accident. Knives and bullets both cause puncture wounds.

Treatment

1. Check to see that nothing is left in the wound
2. Check the object to ensure that it is intact and that there are no fragments in the wound
3. Allow the wound to bleed freely as this will help flush out the wound
4. If the bleeding does not stop or if it is spurting seek emergency care
5. Clean the wound. Wash your hands before treating the injury. Clean around and, if possible, inside the wound. If there are any fragments in the wound contact your doctor for assistance.
6. Protect the wound. Use an antibiotic ointment to protect against infection.

If you have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, have not had a tetanus shot in five years, a wound with fragments, a deep wound, a wound that will not stop bleeding or a wound to the foot please see your physician. Also, if you suspect infection see your doctor right away.