Dog Bites Can Cause Serious Injuries and Infections

 Posted on September 12, 2018 in Personal Injury

Dogs have been considered man’s best friend for centuries. Researchers estimated that animal companionship dates back tens of thousands of years. Currently, around 68 percent of households in the United States own a pet, with the majority of those pets being dogs. Dogs make great companions because of their desire to please their owners and their typically jolly demeanor.

Like all animals, dogs will defend themselves when they feel it necessary, and they do so by biting. Being animals, dogs’ mouths are full of different kinds of bacteria, some of which can be deadly when introduced to a human’s bloodstream. With powerful jaws that can cause major damage, dogs can cause bite injuries that are so severe, they require extensive medical treatment.

Injuries From Dog Bites

Dogs are omnivores, but the main part of their diet is protein, which means that their bodies were designed to hunt other animals. Dogs have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that can easily injure humans. Types of injuries that can happen when you are bitten include:

• Skin damage;
• Muscle damage;
• Nerve damage; and
• Broken bones.

Infections From Dog Bites

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over 60 different types of bacteria have been found in dogs’ mouths, but only certain types pose a risk to humans. Infections stemming from dog bites are not uncommon, especially if proper first aid is not applied after the bite occurs. Signs that your injury has become infected include:

• Redness or tenderness near the bite wound;
• Red streaks near the wound;
• Discharge from the wound;
• Fever or chills;
• Fatigue; and
• Muscle weakness or loss of sensation near the wound.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you get to a doctor right away. Your injury could have developed an infection. The types of infections that most commonly occur from dog bites include:

• Rabies;
• MRSA;
• Tetanus; and
• Pasteurella.

Choose to Be Represented by a Kane County Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Most of the time, dog owners are responsible and know the temperament of their animals, but accidents are called accidents for a reason. If you or your child are suffering from injuries from a dog bite, you should contact an Aurora dog bite injury attorney who can help you determine the best course of action. Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. will help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. Call the office at 630-907-0909 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp

https://www.healthline.com/health/animal-bite-infections#risk-factors

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