Complications You Could Experience After a Dog Attack

Complications You Could Experience After a Dog Attack

Complications You Could Experience After a Dog Attack

Most of the time, dogs are gentle, trustworthy, and dependable. That’s why they’re a staple in so many people’s lives. A dog can become part of the family. Having a pet dog can have many benefits, from helping with feelings of loneliness to being your kid’s best friend. Unfortunately, they are still instinctual animals, and when they feel threatened or frightened, even the best-trained dog can go from gentle to attacking and biting. 

At Mintz Law Firm, we understand that filing a claim after a dog attack can be difficult, not just because of the incident itself, but because of the dog owner. When the dog owner is a friend or family member, filing a claim may seem like a personal attack on them. Our personal injury lawyers understand the importance of both protecting your best interest and the relationships that are important to you. Don’t lose your right to compensation because you fear hurting your relationship with someone. Contact Mintz Law Firm today so we can help you approach the situation with care. 

Potential Complications You May Experienced After a Dog Attack

Dog bites have the potential to become infected, and infections increase the risk of hospitalization, scarring, and pain. The deeper the bite is, the higher the risk of infection. Furthermore, a dog bite can cause swelling and increase the time it takes for the wound to heal. People with impaired immune responses, such as young children, older adults, or those with diabetes or who have undergone chemotherapy, are at an increased risk of infection if a dog bites them. Possible complications experienced after a dog bite and common infections include:

Pasteurellosis

Pasteurellosis is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Pasteurella. Nearly all cats and dogs carry this bacterium in their mouths. The initial infection appears within two to twelve hours after the bite. The bite area will likely swell and, if left untreated, can spread into the muscle, tendons, and bones, leading to permanent damage. This infection is usually treated with a high dose of penicillin. 

Strep and Staph Infections

Streptococcus and staphylococcus are common infections after a dog bite. Initial symptoms consist of pain, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, these infections spread quickly and can reach the blood, causing a type of blood poisoning called bacteremia. 

Rabies 

Rabies is a virus transmitted through saliva. When a rabies dog bites someone, they pass the virus on, causing swelling in the brain, which may result in death if not treated with a rabies shot soon after being bitten. 

Nerve Damage

A deep bite from a dog doesn’t just damage the skin and muscles. It can also cause nerve damage. A nerve damage injury can cause temporary or permanent loss of feeling and movement in the affected area. 

Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog bites break through the skin and cause damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Many of these deep bite injuries will require sutures or staples to close them. The more extensive the bite, the higher the chance that a victim may be left with scarring or disfigurement. 

Contact a Trusted Dog Bite Accident Lawyer Today

Being attacked by a dog is not only physically painful, but it can also be emotionally damaging. Someone who once loved dogs may find that they become terrified by them after an attack. They’re left not just with physical injuries, but emotional ones as well. 

At Mintz Law Firm, we have handled numerous dog bite cases and know how to maintain relationships between victim and dog owner (if that’s the desire) and can fight for your right to compensation. Dealing with a complication from a dog bite can lead to heft medical bills. Contact Mintz Law Firm to get started on building a strong claim to pursue maximum compensation. You can call (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. 

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