Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | November 21, 2024 | Personal Injury

Severe Dog Bite Infections

Dog bites are more common than most people realize. About 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. A dog bite might not appear serious at first. However, dog bites can lead to severe infections that may become life-threatening.

Understanding more about common dog bite infections and what to do if you or a loved one are impacted can help you be better prepared. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite, consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and seek compensation.

Strep and Staph Infections

Strep and staph infections are caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria. Strep infections can result in cellulitis, blood infections, skin infections, and other serious conditions.

Staph infections can enter your bloodstream, lungs, joints, heart, and joints. Staph infections may result in cellulitis, impetigo, bacteremia, toxic shock syndrome, and septic arthritis.

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat staph and strep. Antibiotic-resistant strains may require more aggressive treatment. Doctors may sometimes need to drain pus from around the dog bite.

Pasteurella Infections

Pasteurella multocida is the most common infection caused by bites from domestic pets. Complications of Pasteurella infections include cellulitis, abscesses, and joint infections.

It may also lead to respiratory tract infections, which can cause ear infections, lung abscesses, and pneumonia. In rare cases, Pasteurella infections can cause meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning).

Doctors may drain the wound and use antibiotics to treat the infection. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous medications and other treatment.

Capnocytophaga Infection

This type of dog bite infection is rare. However, if you have a weakened immune system, an alcohol disorder, or had your spleen removed, you are at a greater risk of developing Capnocytophaga.

A Capnocytophaga infection can cause severe complications, including kidney failure, heart attack, gangrene, and sepsis. In some cases, doctors may need to amputate toes, fingers, or limbs.

Signs and Symptoms of Dog Bite Infections

The symptoms of infection after a dog bite vary greatly. 

However, common signs you might have a dog bite infection include:

  • Pain and increased redness around the bite
  • Drainage and/or puss
  • Difficulty moving the body part
  • Fever
  • Red streaks going up the limb where the bite occurred
  • Swelling
  • An abscess
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Joint swelling
  • Cellulitis
  • Headache
  • Vomiting

You should treat all dog bites as serious injuries. You should seek medical attention within 24 hours for dog bites that break the skin. However, if the bite is on your face, head, neck, feet, or fingers, you should contact a medical provider immediately, regardless of whether the bite broke the skin.

Rabies 

Dog bites can also result in rabies. This viral disease is transmitted by a scratch or bite from an infected animal.

Early symptoms of rabies may be mild, including weakness, headaches, and fevers. However, as the disease progresses, the person may experience:

  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Insomnia
  • Confusion
  • Hydrophobia (fear of water)
  • Partial paralysis

Rabies requires immediate treatment to prevent death. If you are bitten by a dog and you are unsure of its vaccination record, seek immediate medical attention. Rabies is preventable, but it requires immediate treatment from a medical provider.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite Injury

A dog owner or other responsible party may be liable for your injuries and damages. You may be entitled to compensation for your monetary losses and suffering.

Economic and non-economic damages in a dog bite injury case may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical bills and expenses
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Impairments and disabilities
  • Rehabilitative therapies
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Long-term care

The amount you receive for your claim depends on the circumstances of your case. Generally, the value of your damages increases as the severity of your injuries increases. An attorney can help you determine how much your case is worth.

Proving Liability for a Dog Bite Injury

State law governs when a dog owner or other party is responsible for damages caused by a dog bite. Some states follow strict liability laws for dog bites. This means the owner can be liable for damages if you were bitten. Dog owners may be liable for damages even if they used reasonable care and did not know the dog was aggressive or vicious.

You Have a Limited Time to File Claims for Dog Bite Injuries

Every state has a statute of limitations setting deadlines for personal injury lawsuits. The time to file a lawsuit varies by state. Some states have different deadlines depending on the type of claim being filed.

Therefore, it is in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a dog bite. You need to protect your right to sue the dog owner to recover damages for a dog bite injury.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With a Dog Bite Injury Case

Hiring a personal injury attorney gives you a better chance of recovering fair compensation for your injuries.

An attorney will:

  • Investigate the circumstances leading to the dog bite
  • Gather evidence proving the dog owner or other party is liable for your injuries
  • Identify all parties who could be liable for the dog bite
  • Document and value your damages to determine how much your case is worth
  • Negotiate insurance settlements and settlements with liable parties
  • Protect you from allegations of contributory fault
  • File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary

If a dog bites you or your child, contact a dog bite injury lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Prompt legal advice is the best way to protect your rights after a dog bite.

Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.

Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
20 E Broad St Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423

Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
10 Hale St Suite 501, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 720-1000