When Can Dog Bites Lead to Serious Infections?

 Posted on July 31, 2024 in Dog Bites

Dogs make great pets, and they can be friendly and lovable. However, they can also behave unexpectedly, and when they bite or attack someone, the experience can be very painful and traumatic. In some cases, dog bites may lead to serious infections that can have a long-term impact on a person's health. An experienced attorney can help dog bite victims address these issues and take steps to recover financial compensation for their injuries and other forms of harm they have suffered.

Types of Infections From Dog Bites

Dog bites can introduce a variety of bacteria or viruses into the body, leading to several types of infections. Some of the most common infections include:

• Rabies: This viral infection affects the nervous system, and it can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected dog when a bit breaks the skin.

• Tetanus: This disease, also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection that can cause severe muscle stiffness and spasms. It is particularly dangerous for those who have not been vaccinated.

• Pasteurellosis: Pasteurella bacteria are commonly found in the mouths of dogs. An infection can cause swelling, redness, and pain at the wound site, and it may spread to other parts of the body.

• Capnocytophaga: These bacteria can lead to serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, and blisters around the bite area.

• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus): This type of staph infection is resistant to many antibiotics. It can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and other serious health issues.

• Cellulitis: A dog bite may lead to this bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness. It can spread rapidly and lead to more severe health problems if not treated promptly.

Effects of Dog Bite Infections

Infections resulting from dog bites can have severe and lasting effects on a person's health and well-being. Some of the potential consequences include:

• Chronic pain: A person may experience persistent pain at the site of a dog bite or other affected areas of the body.

• Scarring and disfigurement: Bite wounds can leave permanent marks on the body, and some infections may also result in changes in appearance to the skin near a wound.

• Amputation: In extreme cases, severe infections may lead to the death of tissue, and the parts of the body that have been affected may need to be removed. Some injuries may result in the loss of fingers, toes, or other body parts.

• Systemic infections: In some cases, infections can spread throughout the body, leading to sepsis or other life-threatening conditions.

• Emotional trauma: The psychological impact of a dog bite, especially when coupled with physical injuries, can be profound.

Damages From Dog Attacks

Under California law, victims of dog attacks may be able to recover compensation for multiple types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: A victim may be fully compensated for the costs of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, medications, physical therapy, psychological counseling, or any other expenses related to medical care.

• Other financial losses: A person can recover compensation for lost wages due to time off work while recovering from a dog bite injury, as well as reduced earning capacity if injuries result in long-term disability. Any property that was damaged or other losses they have experienced due to a dog attack may also be addressed.

• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma: A victim may receive compensation that will address their physical pain and other effects of a dog bite, including psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Contact Our Santa Clara County Dog Bite Infection Injury Attorney

When a dog bite results in a serious infection, it is crucial to receive the proper medical care and take other steps to address the effects of an injury. At Law Office of John J. Garvey, III, our San Jose dog bite lawyer can help injury victims take steps to recover compensation that will allow them to move forward from these traumatic experiences. Contact us at 408-293-7777 to set up a free consultation.