What Diseases Can Result from a Dog Bite Injury?

 Posted on November 23, 2019 in Dog Bite Injuries

Known as man’s best friend, a dog can provide companionship and joy to animal lovers. Although dogs can be trained to follow certain behaviors, it is impossible to completely control a dog’s actions. Loud noises, unfamiliar people, or specific practices could lead to a dog acting with aggression. If a dog bite does take place, outcomes such as scars and disfigurement, nerve damage, and wrongful deaths can result. In addition, the spreading of germs can cause serious infections in a victim. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, speaking to an experienced attorney can help in your pursuit of compensation.   

Types of Infections

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 18 percent of dog bites become infected with bacteria. Although 60 different bacteria have been linked to a dog’s mouth, only a finite amount of these germs can lead to a victim getting sick. If bacteria spread after a bite, certain infections can result:

• Rabies: A virus that affects the brain and can be life-threatening, rabies is most commonly spread through the bite and saliva of an infected animal.    
• Capnocytophaga Bacteria: Living in the mouth of people and dogs, these bacteria can lead to possible illnesses. Although rare, Capnocytophaga bacteria can infect humans through bites, scratches, or close contact. 
• Pasteurella: One of the most common types of bacteria that can be spread from a dog bite, Pasteurella can cause a red infection where the bite took place. More serious diseases may result in people with a weakened immune system. Swollen glands, joints, and difficulty moving can be prevalent. 
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): A staph infection can lead to lung, skin or urinary tract infections in people. In certain cases, MRSA can spread to the bloodstream or lungs, causing dangerous infections.
• Tetanus: A toxin that is produced from bacteria (Clostridium tetani), tetanus can lead to rigid paralysis.

What Should be Done After a Dog Bite?

The actions a victim takes after an attack can greatly affect his or her well-being. A dog bite injury can leave an injured party with extensive medical bills, missed time at work, loss of freedom, and life-changing injuries; financial compensation may be necessary to move on. If a dog bite does occur, the person who suffered the attack should: 

• Wash the wound with soap and water
• Contact the owner, if possible, and see if the dog has a current rabies vaccination
• See a healthcare provider
• Document any injuries or treatments that were required
• Report the bite

Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Attorney

If and when a dog attack occurs, it is important to understand the medical complications that can result. Before dismissing fault or accepting payment, a dog bite victim should seek legal advice. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our team can assess your specific needs and provide unmatched representation. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact one of our knowledgeable Will County personal injury lawyers at 630-552-6860.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html