A dog bite isn’t just painful; it can also cause infection, scarring, and disfigurement, too. Following a dog bite, it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of infection. The following reviews some of the most common infections caused by dog bites, infection symptoms, and what to do if the infection is suspected.
Rabies Infection
Rabies is probably the most dangerous type of infection that a person can get from a dog bite. Luckily. However, rabies is not common amongst dogs (it is much more widespread amongst wild animals, such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes, etc.). Regardless, staying alert for any symptoms of rabies is necessary.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list the following as warning signs of rabies.
- General weakness
- Headache
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Cerebral dysfunction
If bitten by a dog, it is best to have the bite assessed immediately, as rabies can be fatal.
Other Infections from Dog Bites
Other infections caused from a dog bite can be equally as dangerous if not treated properly. Some other bacterial species that are found in animal bite wounds include, but are not limited to this list.
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pasteurella multocida
- Pseudomonas sp.
- Streptococcus sp.
- Tetanus
Cleaning a wound and seeking medical care for a dog bite is essential to prevent infection. Infection needs to be on dog bite victims’ radar.
Most commonly, signs of infection include the following.
- Pain/tenderness at bite site
- Redness around affected area
- Pus
- Swelling
- Fever
Seek care from a medical professional if you develop any of the above. When left untreated, the infection can spread. In severe cases, an infection from a dog bite may enter the blood stream and cause serious health complications, or even death.
Who’s liable for an infection caused by a dog bite?
The state of Pennsylvania enforces a strict liability and a negligence-based dog bite law. The combination of strict liability and negligence-based means that a dog’s owner may liable for damages caused to a person that his or her dog bites, even if the dog wasn’t known to be dangerous (Commonwealth v. Hake).
Damages include liability for medical expenses related to the injuries like medical expenses for infection. You may pursue a negligence-based suit to recover noneconomic damages as well.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered a dog bite and an infection from a dog bite, the dog attack attorney at Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you file a claim against the dog’s owner to recover damages. To get started on learning more about liability in dog bite cases today, contact the office now at 215-642-2335.
