Any dog, no matter how docile or well-trained can react aggressively in a given situation. The risks associated with an aggressive dog can be quite serious. When a dog reacts aggressively, the most likely outcome is that the dog will bite someone. Dog bites can carry all kinds of risks and medical issues, and the chief concern would be an infection of the wound. If a dog has bitten you, and you believe the dog owner was negligent, you should contact a dog bite attorney to see if you can recover compensation for your injury.
How Will I Know If My Dog Bite Is Infected?
If you are bitten by a dog, you must take immediate action to clean the wound and seek professional medical care; however, infection may still occur even if you take these steps. Determining if there is an infection is imperative for proper care and prognosis. Infection presents itself with the following symptoms:
- Fluid oozing from the wound
- Tenderness in areas near the bite
- Loss of sensation around the bite
- If the hand was bitten, limited use of the finger or hand
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever or chills
- Night sweats
- Red streaks near the bite
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulties
- Muscle weakness or tremors
If your dog bite wound has become infected, you should seek medical attention. Your next step should be to contact an experienced attorney who may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injury.
What Are Three of the Most Common Dog Bite Infections?
Obviously, there are numerous infections that can result from a dog bite. The type of infection depends on the person’s bodily reaction and medical history. There are three common infections to look out for if you have suffered a dog bite:
Rabies
Rabies is perhaps the infection most associated with a dog bite. Transmitted through animal saliva, rabies can be fatal if left untreated. It should be noted that rabies is preventable with a vaccine. Because it is so well-known, virtually any medical provider can help with treatment.
Tetanus
Tetanus is another infection that can be fatal, but it is also preventable with a vaccine. Though rare, tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes muscles throughout the body to tighten. Tetanus is also called “lockjaw” because the infection often causes muscle contractions in the jaw and neck. It can also spread to other parts of the body eventually.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a rather painful skin infection caused by bacteria entering through the skin breakage of the bite wound. The infection most likely appears on the lower body, but it can appear anywhere. Cellulitis has been known to occur on the surface of the skin, but it also may affect the tissues underneath, even spreading to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.
Contact an Attorney at Feller & Wendt If You Have Been the Victim of a Dog Bite
The attorneys at Feller & Wendt have years of experience dealing with the fallout from a dog bite, and they may be able to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one have suffered a dog bite and are facing medical complications as a result, Feller & Wendt is here to help. Our experienced team of attorneys has the skill, experience, and resources to try to win you the compensation you deserve. For a no-obligation, free case evaluation, we invite you to call us at (480) 702-2277 or contact us through our website.
