In a dog attack, you may sustain severe wounds that leave behind permanent scarring and disfigurement as well as chronic pain and restrictions on your ability to function at work and take care of daily tasks. Dog bites also increase your risk of getting a serious infection with harmful side effects.
You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries in order to pay for medical costs, lost wages, and other harms brought on by infections from dog bites. Discover the most typical infections first, and then how having a good lawyer will benefit your case.
When a dog punctures a person’s skin, the bacteria Pasteurella, which is in its mouth, is transmitted. This bacteria can result in cellulitis, a difficult skin infection. The signs of this infection, which include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pus around the wound, typically appear 2–24 hours after a dog bite.
A victim must get immediate medical treatment if symptoms develop. If untreated, a pasteurella infection can cause these complications:
Staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria are the culprits behind staph and strep infections. The early signs of the illness resemble those of a pasteurella infection and can also result in cellulitis. Serious complications from this infection include blood poisoning and pneumonia.
While not the most frequent infection you could contract from a dog bite, rabies is one of the deadliest. If an animal scratches or bites a person, it can transmit the viral disease rabies through its saliva. Victims of dog attacks should get immediate medical attention to see if rabies prevention treatment is necessary.
When rabies symptoms appear, the infection frequently results in death. The flu-like initial symptoms can last a few days or longer and can resemble other conditions. Other progressive symptoms include:
A dog’s bite or scratch can cause the more uncommon bacterial infection capnocytophaga. A higher risk of developing this condition exists in those whose immune systems are compromised, who have trouble fending off infections (such as those with HIV or cancer), or who use steroids.
The majority of victims experience symptoms three to five days after a dog bite, but capnocytophaga can take up to 14 days to fully manifest. Blisters around the wound, swelling, pus, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches are a few symptoms. Capnocytophaga can also cause life-threatening complications such as:
Animal bites
A bite from an animal that breaks your skin exposes you to numerous bacteria, including those on your skin and those in the animal’s mouth. You have a better chance of properly cleaning the wound and preventing infection if the bite barely breaks the skin. However, because deep bites are puncture wounds, bacteria can enter them deeply.
Dog bites are the most frequent animal bites involving pets, but 10% to 20% of animal bites in the U S. Although they may not initially seem to be as destructive as dog bites, their smaller teeth and deep punctures can make it difficult to properly clean out a wound.
Many homes have pets like guinea pigs and hamsters, especially those with kids. These animals can also bite and cause infections.
Signs of an infected bite may include:
It’s crucial to confirm with the owner that the animal has received all necessary vaccinations if it bites you. If not, consult a physician and specify which vaccinations the dog lacked. Animal control in your area should be notified if you don’t know the dog that bit you.
All scratches, even human ones, can become infected. The symptoms of an infected scratch resemble those of a bite.
A cat’s scratch is the direct cause of cat scratch disease. The Bartonella henselae bacteria cause it. Although the infection can occur at any time of the year, the fall and winter months are when it most frequently occurs. Clean the wound thoroughly and keep an eye out for infection if a cat scratches you. These include:
Consult your doctor as soon as you notice any infection symptoms to determine whether you require antibiotics.
Make sure to thoroughly clean any animal bites or scratches with warm running water if you have them. As a scab forms, keep the wound dry and clean to lower the risk of infection.
Call 9-1-1 or visit a hospital if you have a suspicion of sepsis, and tell the medical staff there, “I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SEPSIS.”
Please visit Faces of Sepsis, where you will find hundreds of survivor stories and tributes to those who passed away from sepsis, if you would like to share your story about sepsis or read about others who have had it.
Any signs of infection near the wound, such as: should prompt people to consult a doctor right away.
Rabies is fatal if a person does not receive treatment. If a person suspects a dog they were bitten by may have rabies, they should visit their doctor right away. Postexposure rabies vaccination can treat the infection.
If the person has not had a tetanus vaccine in the last 5 years, they may need to have one to reduce the risk of tetanus.
When a dog bites someone, bacteria from the animal’s mouth can enter the body and lead to an infection.
A doctor should be consulted for any deeper wounds so they can apply a dressing and clean out the wound with saline solution.
What to Do If You Suffer Blood Poisoning After a Dog Bite
Get immediate medical care if you experience any of the above symptoms, along with any other illness-related symptoms. Additionally, you can locate the owner of the dog and inform the authorities about the attack.
Then, we urge you to speak with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney. Our dog bite attorneys will carefully examine your claim and pursue full compensation for your damages, which may include past and future compensation:
Downloading a free copy of our dog bites brochure and getting in touch with us to arrange a free consultation in one of our 11 Midwest personal injury offices, your home or hospital room, over the phone or via video conference are both welcome ways for you to learn more about your claim right away.
FAQ
What happens if a dog bites you and you bleed?
Wash the bite area with soap and water. Apply pressure to the bite if it is bleeding with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, apply an antibiotic cream to the affected area. Cover the area with a bandage or sterile gauze.
What kind of infection can you get from a dog bite?
Staph and strep infections, which are both severe and potentially fatal conditions brought on by the staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria, can result from dog bites. Common symptoms include: Oozing blisters.
How long after a dog bite does infection set in?
Animal bite infections could spread and result in serious medical issues if untreated. Infection generally develops within 24 to 48 hours.
How do you know if you get blood poisoning?
About sepsis a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature. a change in mental state – like confusion or disorientation. slurred speech. cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin.