Teenager’s medical expenses nearly R100k after dog attack
WHITE RIVER - The family of a 17-yearold-old boy are taking legal action after he suffered a severe Rottweiler attack on October 24.
Joel Burnhams is lucky to be alive - had he not been as fit and strong as he is, he might not have been, said his father, Gavin.
According to him, the medical costs of the incident are already nearing R100 000. Joel suffered more than 40 lacerations and cuts, one of which became septic and landed him back in hospital on November 1 after being discharged on October 26 the first time. His father confirmed he is now back home again.
“In a nutshell, Joel is making good progress, but he is still struggling with his left leg after septicaemia set in on the largest wound. He has completed his course of four rabies vaccinations.
“There is going to be some significant scarring on his body as a permanent reminder of his ordeal,” said Gavin.
The owner of the dogs, Piet van Rensburg, confirmed the incident to Lowvelder after it had occurred. He conveyed his condolences to Gavin and said he was grateful that Joel was still alive. He has since put down two of the dogs involved in the attack.
The family, however, said three dogs had attacked Joel.